A winner over hurdles in France, Private Equity has his first start for Nicky Henderson and is sure to have been well-schooled for his fencing debut. Ulysse Collonges won over both hurdles and fences in France and continued his winning ways for Chris Grant at Wetherby recently. He'll go close and is preferred to Dark And Dangerous and Kapga De Cerisy. However, ULCK DU LIN appeared to run out of steam on his comeback and chasing debut at Stratford last month and with that run under his belt, Paul Nicholls' charge gets the nod to open his account.
Ulysse Collonges (FR) Evensfav (11-0) With leader, led 3rd, blundered and headed 4 out, held in 2nd when left in lead and clear from 2 out, won at Wetherby 2m nov chs (4) gs beating Exotic Man (10-8) by 7l, 4 ran.
Ulck Du Lin (FR) 7-4fav (10-11) In touch, headway 4 out, every chance 2 out, weakened before last, 3rd of 9, 14l behind Sir Du Bearn (11-11) at Stratford 2m 5f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Oct.
Dark And Dangerous (IRE) 12-1 (11-1) Chased leaders, headway on outside approaching 2 out, driven and one pace in 4th between last 2, no real impression, left 3rd last, 3rd of 12, 2 1/2l behind General Ting (10-3) at Sandown 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft.
Kapga De Cerisy (FR) 20-1 (10-7) Took keen hold, chased leaders, went 2nd 3 out, challenged and every chance when mistake 2 out, lost 2nd and slight peck last, no extra flat, just held on for 4th, 4th of 9, 5l behind Hadrian's Approach (11-2) at Ascot 2m 3f Beginners Chase (0-140) (4yo+) (3) gs.
Private Equity (FR) (10-5) won at Sable Sur Sarthe(FR) 2m 2f hdl gd in Jun, 0 ran.
Red Riverman 33-1 (11-0) Held up in last trio, some headway 7th, struggling before next, never involved, 5th of 9, 16l behind Wonderful Charm (11-7) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl G2 (1) gs in Oct.
