close up, every chance from 3 out, ridden to lead at last, ridden out
tracked leaders, ridden 13th, kept on same pace from 2 out
prominent, led 7th, headed 13th, reminders next, ridden and outpaced 3 out
led, headed 5th, prominent, jumped left and led again 3 out, stumbled on landing next, ridden and headed last, stayed on
prominent, led 5th, headed 7th, led again 13th, ridden and headed 3 out, kept on same pace
in rear, mistake when fell 8th
LE FOU ROYAL was having only a third run under Rules when winning a novice hurdle at Plumpton just over two weeks ago by eight lengths. He’s only had one run over fences so far but has won between the flags so should have more to offer. Little Red Lion was brought down in the early stages of his fencing bow at Ffos Las but should figure if that hasn’t dented his confidence while Hang Tough looks a threat to all despite a 7lb rise for scoring over track and trip three weeks ago. Colonel Keating wasn’t beaten far over 2m4f here last month and also warrants a mention.
Little Red Lion (IRE) 17-2 (12-0) Towards rear, brought down 6th, at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp (5) hvy in Nov.
Cucklington 40-1 (11-10) Towards rear and niggled along early stages, much closer 10th, mistake 11th, pushed along and struggling 12th, under real pressure and tailed off, pulled up 4 out, at Exeter 3m hcp (4) gs in Nov.
Le Fou Royal (FR) 9-2 (10-12) Made all, jumped well, stayed on well from 2 out, comfortably, won at Plumpton 2m 5f (4) hvy in Nov beating Bunny Boru (10-5) by 8l, 7 ran.
Colonel Keating (IRE) 4-1 (11-11) Led 1st until after next, in front again before 3rd until 5th, pressed leader until 7th, handy 3rd, 2nd again 3 out, led run-in, headed and outpaced final 100 yards, 2nd of 10, 1 1/4l behind Avoir De Soins (11-5) at Lingfield 2m 4f hcp (5) sft in Nov.
Hang Tough 10-3 (10-8) Chased leaders, went 2nd 7th, pushed along to challenge and hit 3 out, led next, stayed on gamely run-in, won at Lingfield 2m 7f hcp (5) sft in Nov beating Don Herbager (10-6) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Highdawn (IRE) 33-1 (10-1) Slightly worse than mid-division, hit 4th and reminders, soon beaten, tailed off, never travelling, 8th of 10, dist behind Innisfree Lad (11-12) at Stratford 2m 5f hcp (5) gs in Nov.
