tracked leaders, chased winner soon after 3 out, ridden next, kept one pace, no chance with winner
jumped well throughout, made all, pressed until 5th, ran on, comfortable
close up in 4th, tracked leaders 6th, ridden to chase winner briefly 3 out, kept on same pace
pressed winner until 5th, tracked winner, pushed along 7th, dropped to rear 3 out, weakened next
Fast Buck was beaten more than 11 lengths by the improving Brave Seasca at Ascot but is 12lb better off here so should get a lot closer. Sky Pirate won this last year before going on to land the Grand Annual at Cheltenham but is 12lb higher and giving lumps of weight to his three rivals. NOT AVAILABLE was a Kilbeggan specialist when trained by Henry De Bromhead but he’s proved his versatility since joining Matt Shepherd, winning at Ludlow and Newbury - a further 3lb rise may not be enough to foil the hat-trick.
Sky Pirate 20-1 (11-4) Held up, nudged along approaching 2 out, ridden and went third before last, kept on flat, 3rd of 4, 13l behind Shishkin (11-3) at Kempton 2m (1) sft in Dec.
Brave Seasca (FR) 7-2 (11-0) Led until 5th, led again and went left 4 out, clear before 2 out, very easily, won at Ascot 2m 1f hcp (3) gs in Dec beating Amarillo Sky (11-3) by 3l, 8 ran.
Fast Buck (FR) 33-1 (11-8) Steadied rear, closer on inside before 8th, went 3rd one pace before 2 out, 3rd of 8, 11 1/2l behind Brave Seasca (11-0) at Ascot 2m 1f hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Not Available (IRE) 5-2fav (11-1) Prominent, led 4 out, ridden and strongly pressed before 2 out, hampered by rival last, stayed on gamely run-in to assert towards finish, won at Ludlow 2m hcp (2) gs in Dec beating Gumball (11-12) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
