chased leaders, ridden in 3rd and one pace before 2 out, no chance with leading duo, weakened into 4th run-in
last pair, pushed along and struggling before 2 out, soon ridden and beaten, never on terms
held up in close 5th on inside, headway on bit before 2 out, led before last and soon clear, drew right away run-in, impressive
led, headed before last, readily outpaced by winner run-in, kept on for clear 2nd
tracked leaders, hit 3rd, jumped slowly and mistake next, ridden and weakened soon after 3 out, tailed off soon after, pulled up before last
held up last, awkward 2nd, outpaced 4 out, kept on into modest 4th between last 2, hung left before the last, took 3rd run-in, no chance with leading duo
pulled hard tracking leader, pushed along and lost 2nd before 2 out, soon weakened
Grandeur D'Ame is thrown in at the deep end on his hurdles bow but must be held in some regard. Adrimel doesn’t look straightforward but clearly has an engine and is fitted with cheekpieces today. Metier easily beat Tile Tapper at Ascot to extend his unbeaten record while Shakem Up'arry is back in novice company after a decent run in a handicap at Haydock. GALICE MACALO also ran well in handicap company last time over this course and distance. She is improving fast and her mares’ allowance is a plus on today’s going. Do Your Job led until close home when on a hat-trick at Haydock six weeks ago but will need more upped in class with a similar comment applying to Smurphy Enki.
Do Your Job (IRE) 7-4fav (11-0) Led, joined 4 out, led narrowly 3 out travelling strongly, clear 2 out, ridden approaching last, headed flat, no extra close home, 2nd of 6, 4 1/4l behind Llandinabo Lad (11-0) at Haydock 2m lst (1) sft in Nov.
Grandeur D'ame (FR) 10-3 (11-0) Held up in last pair, pulled hard early, headway over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went 2nd close home, not trouble winner, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Good Risk At All (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m lst (1) sft in Nov.
Metier (IRE) Evensfav (11-5) Made all, ridden for effort approaching last, ran on well flat, comfortably, won at Ascot 2m (2) sft in Nov beating Tile Tapper (11-0) by 5 1/2l, 6 ran.
Shakem Up'arry (IRE) 11-2 (10-13) Prominent, led 5th, ridden approaching 2 out, headed before last, one pace flat, 4th of 14, 4 3/4l behind War Lord (11-0) at Haydock 2m 3f hcp (2) sft in Nov.
Smurphy Enki (FR) 8-11fav (10-12) Pressed leader, led after 3 out, went clear from 2 out, easily, won at Plumpton 2m (4) gs in Dec beating On My Command (10-5) by 7l, 12 ran.
Tile Tapper 11-2 (11-0) Chased leader, slow 4th, pushed along before 2 out, kept on flat but no match for winner, 2nd of 6, 5 1/2l behind Metier (11-5) at Ascot 2m (2) sft in Nov.
Galice Macalo (FR) 10-1 (10-6) In share of third when front two went clear after 3rd, travelled well into second 2 out, quickened to lead before last, stayed on but caught close home, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Benson (10-6) at Sandown 2m hcp lst (1) hvy in Dec.
Adrimel (FR) 8-11fav (11-5) Tracked leader until 2nd, mistake next, closed to lead 4 out, went left 2 out and ridden, stayed on well from last, ridden out, won at Haydock 2m (2) hvy in Dec beating Grumpy Charley (11-0) by 4 3/4l, 5 ran.
