led to 2nd, with leader, led again 3 out, ridden after 2 out, headed before last, one pace flat
held up, still well behind 3 out, moved closer, still plenty to do 2 out, headway under pressure approaching last, kept on well flat, took 2nd final strides
held up in 5th, moved closer after 3 out, awkward on landing 2 out, every chance and when mistake last, not quicken, flat
held up, not fluent 5th, still well behind 3 out, moved closer, still plenty to do 2 out, headway under pressure and hung left approaching last, chased winner flat, stayed on, lost 2nd final strides
tracked leaders, ridden when mistake 2 out, weakened approaching last
held up in 4th, went 2nd after 3 out, ridden after 2 out, led before last, driven out
with leader, led 2nd until 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
held up, raced keenly, in touch when mistake 7th, mistake 9th and 3 out, and again 2 out, soon weakened under pressure
Souffleur has been found a decent opportunity to continue his winning streak with Razor Royale and Aldaheer Beebers appearing the most obvious alternatives. Peter Bowen believes that the four-year-old is potentially one of the best horses he has ever trained and he is much better in here than if the race were a handicap. Razor Royale has to be respected as a course winner. He outpointed Nenuphar Collonges on their latest meeting and should be capable of maintaining the form. Gone To Lunch has developed into a useful stayer. He may have been tested by Aldaheer Beebers at Ascot had the latter stood on his feet. Gansey won well at Plumpton and would have chances in this grade if learning how to settle. Native Royal ran a fair race over two miles and this experiment over three miles looks worthwhile. Having considered the alternatives, Souffleur looks the best option in the finale.
Aldhaher Beebers (IRE) 5-2 (11-8) Chased leaders, hit 8th, led after 9th until fell 4 out in race won by Gone To Lunch (11-5) at Ascot 3m nov hdl (3) gd in Nov, 6 ran.
Gone To Lunch (IRE) 4-5fav (11-5) Held up, in touch, headway when stumbled approaching 10th, led 2 out, not fluent last, pushed out flat, won at Ascot 3m nov hdl (3) gd in Nov beating Rebel Melody (10-5) by 2l, 6 ran.
Razor Royale (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway after 7th, led approaching 2 out, came wide and asserted between last 2, 6 lengths ahead last, readily, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (2) sft in Nov beating Nenuphar Collonges (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Souffleur 2-1fav (10-6) Mistakes, held up, headway approaching 3 out, led on bit approaching last, ran on strongly, won at Aintree 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd in Nov beating Hi Cloy (11-7) by 4l, 15 ran.
Gansey (IRE) 5-6fav (10-12) In touch, ran on well to lead flat, pushed out, won at Plumpton 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov beating Noble Ben (10-12) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
Nenuphar Collonges (FR) 11-4 (11-0) In touch, closed after 5th, led 7th, headed 3 out, still every chance before 2 out, outpaced by winner approaching last, closed flat, flattered, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Razor Royale (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (2) sft in Nov.
The Langer (IRE) 20-1 (10-11) Led 3rd, headed approaching 2 out, soon beaten, lame, 2nd of 4, well behind Fountain Crumble (10-10) at Taunton 3m nov hdl (3) gd in Nov '06.
Native Royal (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on to go 3rd at last, 3rd of 20, 1 1/2l behind Kia Kaha (10-13) at Cheltenham 2m nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Nov.
