tracked leader, led after 2nd to 4th, tracked leader, virtually upsides 12th until not fluent 3 out, driven to challenge next, stayed on under pressure to lead closing stages
tracked rival pair, headway 3rd, led next, joined 12th, driven between last 2, ridden flat, kept on until headed and no extra closing stages
led to after 2nd, chased rival pair from next, lost touch 8th, continued tailed off
LE ROCHER made a winning start over fences when successful at Exeter just 10 days ago and needs only a clear round of jumping to land this. Nick Williams’ charge can cruise round at his own pace and has more to fear from lack of concentration than either Royal Act or Sussex Road given the latter pair have yet to show any worthwhile form between them.
Le Rocher (FR) 11-8 (10-10) Tracked leader, upsides when left alone 4 out, not fluent last, won at Exeter 2m 1f (2) sft in Dec
Royal Act 12-1 (11-0) Led, hit 3rd, hit next and headed, chased leader until 4 out, weakened rapidly, soon behind, 11th of 13, dist behind Aza Run (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (5) gs in Nov.
Sussex Road (IRE) 100-1 (10-0) Soon in rear, well behind 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out, at Leicester 2m hcp (5) gf in Nov.
