C1 | 5+
Winner GBP £211,012 - 9 runners
2m 4f 127y
Going: Good to Soft
Surface: T
An exciting clash between FACT TO FILE (3) and the French-trained IL EST FRANCAIS (6) with the former dropping back in distance after two strong placings attempting top-level staying chases including a third in G1 Irish Gold Cup. Connections believe he will improve for the intermediate test. The latter mentioned produced another exciting front-running display when third in the G1 King George VI Chase at Kempton Park during December and kept fresh since provides first outing at Cheltenham. PROTEKTORAT (9) won this last year. Returned to his best taking the conditions Fleur de Lys Chase at Windsor. This will suit and cannot be dismissed. JUNGLE BOOGIE (7) remains lightly raced for the age. Ran well finishing sixth in the 2024 G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Won his sole start at Ascot this season. Interesting.