Jumped left at times, tracked leader until 2nd, handy 3rd, 2nd again 5th until approaching 4 out, 2nd again approaching next, challenged going well 2 out, led soon after, went left last, stayed on well op 6/1
Tracked leading pair, tracked leader 2nd until 5th, 2nd again approaching 4 out until approaching next, effort on inside and every chance 2 out, 2nd before the last, one pace run-in op 9/4
Held up last, jumped slowly 8th, outpaced next (4 out), rallied on outside approaching 2 out, edged left and stayed on into never nearer 3rd run-in tchd 14/1
Copain De Classe (11/10), Kayf Blanco (15/8), Vocaliser (7/1), Deauville Dancer (9/1), Free Stone Hill (16/1)
COPAIN DE CLASSE was by no means foot-perfect when left to hack round alone in a match at Fontwell last month but he had earlier advertised his chasing potential when shaping well behind subsequent JLT Chase third Benatar at Ascot. Having won in testing conditions in France, today's ground will hold no fears for him and he is preferred to regular bridesmaid Kayf Blanco and Vocaliser.