held up in last, went 3rd before 5th, went 2nd 2 out (normal 3 out), soon shaken up, no impression last (normal 2 out), lost 2nd towards finish
took keen hold, made all, clear last (normal 2 out), unchallenged
chased leaders, went 2nd 3rd until 2 out (normal 3 out), soon well held
chased winner until 3rd, dropped to last before 5th, mistake 7th, plugged on from last (normal 2 out), went 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner
NonRunner
Bun Doran just failed to overhaul Desque De L’Isle last month at Ludlow but the winner let the form down next time. Friend Or Foe should be approaching peak fitness and Third Time Lucki has had a wind operation since last seen. He was second to Edwardstone in the Grade 2 novices’ chase on this card last year. The going will hold no fears for GALOP DE CHASSE and he is getting plenty of weight from his rivals – his yard sent out last year’s winner. Haddex Des Obeaux is a progressive novice but is also a free-going sort, though he might get an uncontested lead.
Third Time Lucki (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, never a factor, 6th of 7, 20 1/4l behind Boothill (10-7) at Ascot 2m 1f hcp (2) gd in Nov.
Haddex Des Obeaux (FR) 11-4fav (11-2) Made all at good pace, jumped well, shaken up after 2 out, ridden run-in, stayed on well, readily, won at Doncaster 2m hcp (3) gd in Dec beating Coastguard Station (10-5) by 3 3/4l, 8 ran.
Bun Doran (IRE) 9-1 (11-3) Held up in rear, some headway when not much room 6th, closed after 9th, stayed on well from last, went 2nd flat, just held, 2nd of 9, shd behind Desque De L'Isle (10-4) at Ludlow 2m hcp (2) gs in Dec.
Galop De Chasse (FR) 3-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, went 2nd 3 out, kept on but unable to made any impression on winner, 2nd of 10, 10l behind Fast Buck (11-8) at Lingfield 2m hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Friend Or Foe (FR) 17-2 (11-10) In touch, every chance 4 out, driven along over 3 out, kept on one pace, 5th of 9, 6 1/4l behind Malystic (11-10) at Wetherby 1m 7f hcp (2) sft in Dec.