made all, ridden 4 out, went clear approaching 2 out, ridden out from last, comfortably
prominent, lost place 8th, weakened 9th
chased winner, joined winner at 8th, every chance 4 out, soon ridden, held when mistake 3 out, no chance after
held up last, went 3rd and bumped 9th, ridden approaching 4 out, soon weakened
Just the four runners but a tricky race to fathom can go to Flying Enterprise, with Nippy Des Mottes appearing to be the main danger. The selection comes here chasing a hat-trick after two fairly comfortable successes last month. The latter was just five days ago but he beat some fair performers that day at Cheltenham, and with a 7lb penalty to defy, he still looks the call. The stable is in excellent form at present, and a record of three wins and three seconds from six attempts over fences gives him excellent claims. Nippy Des Mottes represents a powerful stable and won well over course and distance last month. He has improvement in him for sure, however he has never looked the most straight-forward of horses and must be opposed in this stronger race. Trouble At Bay was well fancied last time out but struggled to give 5lbs to the classy Royal Shakespeare. That form looks rock solid so he must be feared today, although he again has to give weight away so must be opposed. Priors Dale looked progressive before bumping into Jack The Giant in a hot race last month at Kempton, however this is easier and he certainly cannot be ruled out. Ultimately, the feeling is that Flying Enterprise looks a horse still on an upward curve and with the stable in fine form, he gets the tentative vote.
Priors Dale 10-1 (11-9) Led, headed 6th, stayed handy until weakened soon after 3 out, last of 6, 28l behind Jack The Giant (10-13) at Kempton 2m nov chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Dec.
Trouble At Bay (IRE) 6-4jt-fav (11-7) Tracked leading pair, hit 7th, ridden to take narrow lead when bumped 3 out, soon headed, weakened next, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 10l behind Royal Shakespeare (11-2) at Kempton 2m nov chs (2) gs in Jan.
Flying Enterprise (IRE) 3-1 (10-0) Tracked leaders, challenged on inside 2 out, soon led, left clear last, stayed on strongly flat, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hcp chs (2) hvy in Jan beating Ofarel D'airy (10-2) by 8l, 10 ran.
Nippy Des Mottes (FR) 3-1 (11-12) Tracked leader, slow jump 6th, ridden to challenge 3 out, led 2 out, idled flat, ridden out, won at Wincanton 2m nov hcp chs (3) sft in Jan beating Sunley Shines (10-9) by 2 1/2l, 3 ran.
