The form of his Wetherby success in November was boosted by the second and he then ran well again when runner up to one of the season's top juvenile hurdlers at Cheltenham. There is nothing of that calibre in this here and with the stable having a good record at this fixture, he is a leading player.
First foal out of a dam who is related to winners in France including Grade Three winner Mister Gyor. Stablemate of Alcnar and yard sprang a surprise in this in 2006 but are going through a quiet spell just now.
Finished second in race run in a good time at Compiegne in June. He was also in the process of running a good race before falling just after halfway on his debut for new yard.
The pick of these on the flat. Jumped better last time than on his debut and from a stable in form he is not without a chance.
Forecasts
Coeur de Lion (1/3), Royal Reserve (9/2), Don Bersy (7/1), Light Of Air (16/1), Alcanar (66/1), Black Buble (125/1), Dark Enemy (125/1)
COUER DE LION is hard to oppose having only found the useful Defi du Seuil too good at Cheltenham last time. His Wetherby win was boosted when the runner-up Forth Bridge won next time with Royal Reserve well beaten back in fourth. Royal Reserve did not jump that well that day and was seen to better effect next time. He was the pick of these on the flat and should give the selection most to do. Don Bersy has claims on his French form and looks best of the rest.
1. Coeur de Lion
2. Royal Reserve
3. Don Bersy