Jumped well, led until narrowly headed 9th, tracked leader, led again before 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last, no extra run-in tchd 9/4 and tchd 11/4
Tracked leader, challenged 8th, led narrowly 9th until pushed along before 3 out, lost 2nd 3 out, ridden and beaten before next, fell last op 13/2 tchd 6/1
A small field, in which perhaps only Activial can be ruled out (largely upon account of race fitness rather than a lack of ability), which makes this a tricky puzzle to solve. There's not a great deal to chose between Quite By Chance and VANITEUX based upon their running behind Sire De Grugy at Ascot in November, whilst the top rated Vibrato Valtat hasn't quite brought his 'A' game to the table this season despite admittedly being highly tried. Despite having some questions to fully answer at this trip, overall versatility, and a couple of good previous efforts over these fences over 2 miles is enough to sway the vote to the Nicky Henderson trained Vaniteux.
1. Vaniteux
2. Vibrato Valtat
3. Quite By Chance