led, joined 4 out, headed next, tracked winner, ridden approaching last, kept on one pace
tracked leader until 7th, tracked leaders, soon lost ground, ridden 5 out, struggling from 3 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd at 7th, joined leader 4 out, led next, ridden approaching last, ran on
Straw Fan Jack may have been a bit flattered by his proximity to Pic D’Orhy in an eventful Grade 2 here last month and the latter’s stablemate SOLO should have his measure in this after a promising reappearance in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter. Excello recorded a win and two seconds in three runs over fences at Auteuil so a return to chasing will suit but he appears to have plenty to find at the weights.
Solo (FR) 11-4jfav (10-10) Led until 2nd, chased winner, mistake 6th, led again 4 out, headed next, ridden and stayed on same pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 3 1/4l behind Elixir De Nutz (10-7) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (1) gs in Nov.
Straw Fan Jack 40-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, pushed along 12th, ridden to press winner next, weakened approaching 2 out, 2nd of 4, 16l behind Pic D'Orhy (11-10) at Ascot 2m 5f (1) gd in Nov.
Excello (FR) 5-4fav (10-13) Tracked winner until 5 out, tracked leaders, switched left approaching last, stayed on one pace, 3rd of 5, 4 1/4l behind Farnoge (11-5) at Ascot 2m 6f (2) gd in Nov.
