led, jumped very low at 8th, 9th and 11th, belted 12th, soon headed and reminders, not jumped well thereafter, no impression 4 out, weakened from next, lost 2nd flat
chased leaders, pushed along after 9th, struggling 11th, well held 3rd when blundered and unseated rider 14th
raced in last and behind, left remote 3rd 14th, went 2nd after last, no chance with winner
tracked leader, hit 9th, led after 12th, came clear from 4 out
It's hard to get away from LATANIER who should prove too strong for Superior Wisdom with Lord Brunello and Phoenix Des Mottes looking out of their depth. The selection has to concede 10lbs to his rivals but should be more than man enough for the task in hand having stepped up the form of his chase debut behind the RSA bound Burton Port to run his rivals ragged at Ludlow. He made a quick reappearance at Sandown where he finished close up behind Doctor Pat and leading Cheltenham fancy Rivaliste before getting his head back in front at Ffos Las. It's hard to pick any holes in his form. Superior Wisdom was in the process of making a satisfactory return when falling two from home and he's not without a chance as this longer trip will suit but he may just need a clear round to boost his confidence after that tumble. The other two are out of their depth and will need luck on their side if they're to get the better of Latanier.
Latanier (FR) 11-4 (11-4) Jumped right, made all, hit 8th, in command when hit 2 out, kept on strongly, won at Ffos Las 2m 5f nov stks (3) gs in Feb beating Viking Rebel (10-12) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Lord Brunello (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) In touch, lost place 4th, pushed along after 11th, not fluent 15th, mistake 15th, soon weakened, 5th of 9, 31l behind Heathcliff (10-11) at Ludlow 3m beg chase (4) gd in Feb.
Phoenix Des Mottes (FR) 33-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders on outer in 3rd, not fluent next, in rear from 8th, left remote 3rd approaching last, 3rd of 4, well behind Ogee (11-8) at Southwell 3m nov stks (3) gs in Feb.
Superior Wisdom (IRE) 11-2 (11-0) Close up, mistake 12th, 4th and well held when fell 2 out, in a race won by Summery Justice (11-0) at Kempton 2m 4f beg chase (4) gs in Feb, 8 ran.
