jumped well, made most, drew clear on bit after 2 out, unextended, very easily
behind, not fluent, mistake 5th, struggling 8th, soon lost touch, tailed off
close up on outside, driven and outpaced by front pair after 3 out, no chance in clear 3rd from next
tracked winner, disputed lead after 7th, driven before 2 out, soon outpaced, ridden and no chance with winner between last 2
Optimus Prime won a Listed hurdle in France before having three races over fences. He made a successful chasing debut in this country when making all at Worcester and has nothing to fear from Behind Time on that run. He has a penalty to carry but San Pedro De Senam, another with experiences over fences in France, was beaten a long way in a two-horse affair at Warwick last month though had little chance against the potentially-useful Sceau Royal. SHAAMA GRISE will be receiving 12lb from the top weight and David Pipe's mare, who won a couple of times over timber, was always more likely to make a chaser and her allowances can swing this in her favour.
Optimus Prime (FR) 6-4 (11-1) Made all, ridden and switched right towards stands rail flat, all out, won at Worcester 2m (3) gs in Nov beating Tommy Silver (11-1) by nk, 5 ran.
Behind Time (IRE) 12-1 (11-1) Chased leaders, dropped off front pair after 4th, well behind from 7th, not fluent when joined for remote 3rd 4 out, tailed off, 3rd of 5, dist behind Optimus Prime (11-1) at Worcester 2m (3) gs in Nov.
San Pedro De Senam (FR) 10-1 (10-9) Jumped left at times, tracked sole rival, not fluent 1st, well held from 6th, last of 2, 21l behind Sceau Royal (11-7) at Warwick 2m (3) gs in Nov.
Shaama Grise (FR) 9-1 (11-11) Led, headed before 2 out, every chance from last, held towards finish, 2nd of 9, 2 1/4l behind Goodbye Dancer (11-12) at Sandown 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Mar.
