led until after 7th, mistake 9th, led approaching 11th until next, soon ridden, weakened approaching 4 out
tracked leaders, pushed along before 11th, weakened approaching 2 out
pressed leader, led after 7th until before 11th, led again next, clear 2 out, easily
tracked leaders, went 2nd 13th, not fluent 3 out, soon ridden, no impression before 2 out
PACHA DU POLDER most definitely sets the standard for the champion trainer here and the French import is taken to make it two from three since moving to Ditcheat. He edged out Eradicate in a Sandown thriller before failing to show any spark when well beaten in a much better Ascot race won by Zaynar, although a mistake may have marred his confidence that day. He should be good enough here, although it's far from a penalty kick as all three rivals have a fair level of ability and he's not one to be taking a short price about. Downward Spiral has been solid if unspectacular so far, Nosecond Chance's best effort came when outpointing Hellfire Club at Hereford and Carribs Leap ran well last time over hurdles behind Carrickmines. All have the ability to give the assured market leader something to do.
Downward Spiral (IRE) 16-1 (11-6) Jumped left, tracked leader until 11th, went 2nd again before 4 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 16l behind Quincy Des Pictons (10-3) at Ludlow 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-120 (4) gs in Dec.
Nosecond Chance (IRE) 9-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, not fluent 2nd, slightly hampered 4th, headway 7th, lost place 11th, jumped right and hit 12th, pulled up after next, in a race won by Quincy Des Pictons (10-3) at Ludlow 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-120 (4) gs in Dec, 10 ran.
Pacha Du Polder (FR) 11-2 (10-8) Held up in last pair, slow 12th, never on terms, weakened 4 out, tailed off, 5th of 6, 35l behind Zaynar (11-0) at Ascot 2m 3f nov chs Grade 2 (1) sft in Dec.
Carribs Leap (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, went 2nd after 3 out, led when guessed at 2 out, headed flat, unable to quicken, 3rd of 10, 2 1/4l behind Carrickmines (11-3) at Taunton 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gs.