prominent until 4th, chased leaders, effort when slow 4 out, well held by winner 3 out, went 2nd 2 out until flat
with winner, ridden after 13th, no impression 3 out, lost 2nd 2 out until regained that place flat
jumped slowly 1st and dropped into rear, continued to jump slowly early stages, well beaten before 4 out, pulled up before 3 out
jumped left at times, made all, well clear from 3 out, eased towards finish
behind, headway 5th, lost place next, struggling 9th, well beaten after until fell heavily 13th
Twice a winner around this time last year, Realm Keeper is better than showed when returning from a lay-off at Wetherby. Champagne Court is a model of consistency over hurdles and fences and is unlikely to be far away again. Ubetya, a useful hurdler, has placed in all three starts over the larger obstacles and should be winning soon but the same comment applies to VALLERES, who has a similar profile and has been given a chance by the handicapper back over his best trip on going that suits. Flagrant Delitiep loves it here and is back in form so adds to the interest in a competitive heat.
Ubetya (IRE) 6-4fav (11-8) Tracked leader, ridden and chased winner between last two, well held when ballooned the last, 2nd of 4, 3 3/4l behind Chinwag (11-3) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Feb.
Champagne Court (IRE) 2-1fav (11-12) Chased leader, not fluent 6th, nudged along after 3 out, led briefly before 2 out, not fluent and headed 2 out, soon ridden, kept on one pace flat, 2nd of 5, 6l behind Press Your Luck (11-10) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Feb.
Valleres (FR) 15-2 (10-11) Held up, closer tracking leaders before 13th, went 3rd 4 out, ridden and no impression before 2 out, 3rd of 7, 8 3/4l behind Grumpy Charley (11-3) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Flagrant Delitiep (FR) 10-11fav (11-0) Led, mistake 3rd, joined 8th, headed narrowly 3 out, not fluent 2 out and ridden, stayed on well but always held, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Native Robin (11-0) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Feb.
Realm Keeper (USA) 7-2 (11-0) Led, jumped slowly and briefly headed 1st, headed 6th, lost 2nd before 8th, chased leaders, weakened and behind 5 out, tailed off, 5th of 6, dist behind Mr Whipped (11-4) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Jan.
