led untill 5th, prominent, led 18th, ridden after 3 out, hit last, soon headed, kept on
prominent, mistakes 15th and 17th, headed after 18th, soon ridden, weakened 2 out
always going well in touch, headway after 18th, ridden approaching last, led flat, ridden out
dwelt, behind, chased leaders 6th, hit 14th, ridden after 18th, kept on same pace
in touch untill 10th, soon tailed off
held in touch, headway after 17th, ridden and effort approaching 3 out, kept on same pace
D'Argent might just prove good enough here ahead of Exit Swinger and What's Up Boys. The selection is a leading hope for the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Chase, winning all three of his chases. He beat subsequent very good winner Tyneandthyneagain last time and, as we say, could be up to landing this. Royal Auclair is now back to a winning mark and has been showing signs of a return to form lately, while Exit Swinger ran better than could have been expected here when beaten by Edredon Bleu on very unfavourable terms. Mister One is a course and distance winner but he has a bit to find on official ratings, but the 2002 Martell Cognac Grand National runner-up and Hennessy Gold Cup winner, What's Up Boys, would have a great chance if near his best. However, because of injury, he has not been seen for 476 days. Overall, then, we'll side with the novice d'Argent.
