made all, pushed along 2 out, unchallenged
jumped left at times, chased winner, ridden and effort 2 out, eased run in when no chance
CHIRICO VALLIS made a winning start over fences at Southwell and was still going well when falling four fences from home at Ludlow last month. A winner in testing ground over hurdles when trained in Ireland last year, Neil Mulholland’s charge should have the measure of Champagne James on these terms. The latter is the more experienced chaser but has yet to win in 10 starts over the larger obstacles and hasn’t raced since March.
Chirico Vallis (FR) 4-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders on outside, went close 2nd when fell 4 out, at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Champagne James (IRE) 7-4fav (11-2) Chased leaders, closer order from before 3 out on inner, under pressure approaching straight, no impression from before 2 out, slightly impeded last, kept on run-in, 3rd of 7, 6 3/4l behind Getoutwhenyoucan (11-2) at Wexford 2m 4f sft in Mar.
