In what appears to be virtual dress rehearsal for the Champion Chase, Voy Por Ustedes is taken to give weight and a beating to Ashley Brook, Sporazene, Well Chief and Foreman. What a mouth watering confrontation awaits us here, with last season's Arkle hero Voy Por Ustedes out to prove that he has what it takes to be crowned king of the two milers this March. Alan King's charge produced a real gutsy effort at Cheltenham, but the feeling is that he had had enough for the season when losing his unbeaten record over fences to Foreman at Aintree. He lost nothing in defeat when second to Kauto Star on his comeback and then reversed form with Foreman in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. Given a break since, he has been going great guns at home by all accounts, and should stamp his authority here. The dark horse in the line-up is Ashley Brook who, on a strict form-line through Kauto Star, has the beating of the selection, although obviously the latter has improved since. A Grade 1 winner over fences at Aintree in 2005, Kevin Bishop produced him fit enough to hack up over hurdles at Cheltenham despite a 14-month absence. If he goes close here, expect his Champion Chase odds to tumble. Sporazene has done nothing wrong over fences of late and will be expected to run well, while classy Well Chief, rated 11lb superior to the selection when last seen but in receipt of 10lb here, is dangerous to leave out. Owner David Johnson has warned that he will need the run though, and a watching brief is advised on this occasion at least, with Voy Por Ustedes the pick.
Voy Por Ustedes (FR) 4-6fav (11-5) Tended to jump left, tracked leader until left in lead 3rd, mistake 8th, ridden and in command between last 2, driven clear flat, won at Kempton 2m chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Dec beating Oneway (11-0) by 5l, 5 ran.
Armaturk (FR) 11-1 (11-6) Led until blundered and unseated rider at the 3rd in race won by Voy Por Ustedes (11-5) at Kempton 2m chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Dec, 5 ran.
Sporazene (IRE) 11-4 (11-7) Made all, clear from 5th, unchallenged, won at Exeter 2m 1f Grad Ch (2) sft in Dec beating Mariah Rollins (11-0) by 21l, 4 ran.
Foreman (GER) 5-2 (11-5) Left chasing winner from 3rd, driven along and tried to challenge approaching 3 out, no impression between last 2 and soon lost 2nd, 3rd of 5, 7l behind Voy Por Ustedes (11-5) at Kempton 2m chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Dec.
Ashley Brook (IRE) 11-2 (11-6) Made all, soon well clear, unchallenged, won at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) hvy in Jan beating French Saulaie (11-1) by 20l, 13 ran.
Jupon Vert (FR) 8-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, soon clear, reduced lead approaching 2 out, strongly pressed last, held on near finish, all out, won at Folkestone 2m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in Jan beating Orsus (10-11) by a hd, 9 ran.
Venn Ottery 20-1 (11-2) Held up and behind, some headway 3 out, soon weakened, 10th of 12, 34l behind M'lord (11-10) at Stratford 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Jul.
Well Chief (GER) 9-4 (11-10) In rear, headway 8th, chased leader 3 out, led approaching last, driven clear run-in, won at Sandown 2m chs Grd 2 (A) gs in Apr '05 beating Azertyuiop (11-10) by 4l, 9 ran.
