made all, drew clear from 5 out, unchallenged after, mistake 2 out, very easily
tracked front pair, disputed 2nd before 7th, not fluent 5 out, soon driven to chase clear and easy winner, never able to challenge, well beaten 3rd 3 out, plugged on to regain poor 2nd after last
mostly tracked winner, not fluent and lost place 5 out, no chance with clear leaders before next, plugged on to take remote 3rd near finish
held up in rear, struggling when mistake 13th, soon pulled up
tracked leaders in 4th, chased front pair after 5 out, went 2nd behind clear and easy winner 3 out, tired when ridden after next, weakened and lost place after last
held up behind, struggling 13th, never a threat
BRISTOL DE MAI has enough factors in his favour to make him the one to beat in this prestigious prize. He has assured fitness on his side after making an impressive winning reappearance in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby and as the youngest member of the field remains open to most improvement. He also has an excellent record here and relishes the forecast heavy ground - all of which makes him the logical choice. Elsewhere, the appointment of Harry Cobden as Cue Card's new partner adds a new dimension to the 11-year-old's attempt to land a remarkable fourth win in this contest. He has fallen on two of his last three starts but was still travelling well enough last time in the Charlie Hall before departing and a clear round must see him go close. Outlander is far from easy to catch right as his form figures demonstrate but on his day he remains a staunch opponent, having landed two Grade 1s in his last five starts. He will be competitive if on a going day. The remaining trio need to improve although the height of Tea For Two's form reads well and he looks next best.
Bristol De Mai (FR) 6-1 (11-6) Tracked leader, led 8th, headed next, led 12th, pressed last, driven flat, stayed on gamely, in command close home, won at Wetherby 3m (1) sft in Nov beating Blaklion (11-0) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Cue Card 5-2 (11-6) Chased leaders on inside, closed after 10th, close up when fell 15th, at Wetherby 3m (1) sft in Nov.
Outlander (IRE) 16-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, close up 6 out and led after 3 out, pushed along and joined next, soon ridden and led run-in, kept on well, won at Down Royal 3m (1) sft in Nov beating Road To Respect (11-10) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Shantou Flyer (IRE) 40-1 (11-4) Held up in rear, headway 11th, lost place next, not fluent 13th, well held 5th when mistake 4 out, 5th of 8, dist behind Bristol De Mai (11-6) at Wetherby 3m (1) sft in Nov.
Tea For Two 11-1 (11-8) Held up behind, struggling 5 out, never dangerous, 9th of 12, dist behind Smad Place (11-3) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (1) gs in Oct.
Traffic Fluide (FR) 8-1 (11-0) Tracked leader, not fluent and lost place 4 out, soon outpaced, ridden after next, rallied into 4th between last 2, no impression, 4th of 12, 14 1/4l behind Smad Place (11-3) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (1) gs in Oct.
