made all, clear and going very well before 3 out, easily
tracked winner until before 5th, outpaced before 4 out, went 3rd after last, one pace
held up in rear, not fluent 5th, went 3rd before 4 out, one pace and lost 3rd place after last
tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd before 5th, pushed along before 3 out, no chance with winner
L'AMI SERGE is among the favourites for the Arkle at Cheltenham but is unlikely to have things all his own way here against Run Ructions Run. Nicky Henderson's easy Plumpton winner is fancied to come out on top but the heavy going will bring the Easterby mare's stamina into play and she won over these fences in November before running very well behind another Henderson chaser, Ma Filleule, in a Listed event at Doncaster. The other pair would probably need something to happen to the principals to get involved.
L'Ami Serge (IRE) 2-11fav (11-0) Made all, drew clear before 2 out, unchallenged, center (4 fences omitted), won at Plumpton 2m 1f (3) hvy in Jan beating Doctor Harper (11-0) by 27l, 3 ran.
Central Flame 10-1 (11-1) Always in rear, lost touch after 3rd, continued tailed off until pulled up before 12th, at Catterick 3m 1f (3) sft in Dec.
Only Orsenfoolsies 9-1 (11-8) Chased leaders, mistake 4 out, every chance 2 out, no extra approaching last, 3rd of 4, 19 1/2l behind Subtle Grey (11-4) at Carlisle 2m 5f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Run Ructions Run (IRE) 9-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, hampered 8th, closed 4 out, stayed on, mistake last, unable to get on terms with front pair, 3rd of 6, 4l behind Ma Filleule (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 5f lst (1) gs in Dec.