held up in touch, led after 4th, made rest, readily
held up, mistake 9th, behind from 12th
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, broke blood vessel
in touch, blundered 12th, soon behind, pulled up before 3 out
tracked leaders, mistake 10th, ridden after 12th, weakened approaching 3 out
led, headed after 4th, stayed promient, ridden after 4 out, kept on same pace
Epervier D'Or, a winner over hurdle in France, has made a pleasing start to his chasing career since joining the stable of Paul Nicholls meeting defeat for the first time in four races for new connections when running below par behind Farmer Jack here over two miles last time. The five-year-old steps into the unknown over 2m4f for the first time today and, with the ground probably faster than ideal as well, he is probably bets watched. Jonjo O'Neill's Druid's Glen already looks a better chaser than he was over hurdles and has to be respected but again may find the going too quick for him. The same case may be made for Henry Daly's Hand Inn Hand, who has been re-routed here following the abandonment of Friday's meeting at Warwick. He arguably has the best form in the book but his best efforts have all been under testing conditions and he disappointed on his only previous attempt on good ground. Mary Reveley's Roveretto is another to consider but he is held by Scots Grey on running over course and distance earlier this month and Nicky Henderson's gelding may again be the one to beat. Having made a winning start to his chase career at Huntingdon in November, the son of Terimon lost no caste in defeat behind the Cheltenham-bound duo of Jair Du Cochet and Tarxien in his next two starts before his comfortable success here. While this is a better contest than that was, the selection has proven form at the track, will be well suited by the ground conditions and, at the likely odds, he represents value.
