tracked leaders, led approaching 2 out, idled closing stages, stayed on well
led, awkward 1st, mistake 4 out, headed after next, kept on under pressure
tracked leader, blundered 5 out, soon lost place, weakened before 3 out, modest 3rd
chased leaders, under pressure 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off, remote 4th
Coeur Tantre has only found one too good in both starts over fences and supporters will be hoping he makes it third-time lucky here. But a drop back to the minimum could work the oracle for the strong-travelling BISHOPS COURT, who has his favoured soft ground for the first time this season. Monsieur Co was a last-fence faller at Doncaster when in second place and has won over 2m here over hurdles so can’t be ignored but No No Cardinal is 17lb out of the handicap.
Bishops Court 8-1 (11-8) Held up towards rear, headway 5 out, chased leaders after next, every chance from 2 out, kept on same pace closing stages, 3rd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Play The Ace (11-7) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Coeur Tantre (IRE) 6-4fav (11-4) Led, jumped right throughout, strongly challenged after 2 out, headed flat, no extra, 2nd of 6, 2 1/4l behind Dream Bolt (11-7) at Taunton 2m 2f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Monsieur Co (FR) 8-1 (10-12) Led until 1st, led 3rd, headed after next, ridden after 3 out, beaten from 2 out, still 2nd but no impression when fell last, at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Dec.
No No Cardinal (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 8th, led 4 out, headed last, stayed on same pace flat, 2nd of 9, 6l behind Rhythm Of Sound (10-0) at Leicester 2m hcp (5) gf in Nov.
