close up in rear, mistake and stumbled 8th, went 3rd 4 out, ridden before last, kept on to chase winner run-in, always held
led, headed and remained pressing leader 5th, led again after 4 out, pushed along 2 out, headed before last, ridden and ran on one pace flat
chased leader, good jump and led narrowly 5th, headed and tracked leader after 4 out, led before final fence, ridden run-in and stayed on well, always doing enough
close up behind leaders on outer, mistake 4 out and dropped to rear, lost touch 3 out and tailed off
NonRunner
JONBON easily beat Edwardstone, the winner of this 12 months ago, and Nube Negra in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham when all were having a first run of the campaign. Only beaten once so far over fences, when second in last season’s Arkle, the Henderson runner is impossible to oppose as he trounced Ascot specialist Boothill in the novices Grade 1 on this card 12 months ago. Haddex Des Obeaux is a very good handicapper but having a first try at the highest level.
Edwardstone 10-3 (11-10) Held up in 4th on inside, went 2nd before 3 out, stayed on same pace, never any chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 9 1/2l behind Jonbon (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m (1) sft in Nov.
Haddex Des Obeaux (FR) 5-2fav (11-8) Led, hit 8th, going ok when fell last, at Cheltenham 2m hcp (2) gd in Oct.
Jonbon (FR) 4-9fav (11-10) Tracked leader, reached for 2nd, led 6th, came clear from 4 out, kept up to work run-in, easily, won at Cheltenham 2m (1) sft in Nov beating Edwardstone (11-10) by 9 1/2l, 4 ran.
Nube Negra (SPA) 14-1 (11-10) Tracked leading pair until mistake 8th, went 3rd again out wide before 3 out, never any chance with winner, 3rd of 4, 16 1/2l behind Jonbon (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m (1) sft in Nov.
Boothill (IRE) 11-4fav (12-0) In touch in rear, keen and headway to go close up 5th, ridden to chase leader 2 out, one length down when left in lead at last, idled flat, won at Ascot 2m 1f hcp (2) gd in Nov beating Frere D'armes (10-6) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
