disputed lead until definite advantage 6 out, ridden clear approaching 2 out, ran on flat
tracked leading pair, ridden 4 out, outpaced approaching 2 out
held up mid-division, lost place 9th, weakened 6 out
held up, ridden and weakened 6 out, behind and mistake 2 out
in touch when mistake 2nd, soon dropped to rear, blundered badly 6th, pulled up before next
held up, took closer order 10th, ridden 4 out, 5th and held when stumbled on landing and unseated rider 3 out
disputed lead with winner until 6 out, chased winner after, ridden 3 out, one pace from 2 out
tracked leading pair, pushed along and outpaced 4 out, kept on to go 3rd approaching last, never dangerous
This is tricky handicap chase for punters to fathom and from a shortlist of HAAR, Double Dizzy and Commemoration Day we will side with Haar. Commemoration Day finished in front of our selection last time but only because Haar unseated his rider. Our selection was still travelling well that day and although he has yet to win over fences, he remains on a competitive mark and it is surely only a matter of time before he opens his account. Commemoration Day is a capable performer on his day but he is far from consistent and although he finished second last time, only two horses finished the race. Double Dizzy ran his best race for a while behind Nudge And Nurdle at Sandown earlier in the month but the simple fact is that he doesn't win as often as he should and the percentage call is to take him on. Royal Wedding was entitled to need the run last time on his seasonal bow and he remains unexposed over fences so he is worthy of consideration. However, we will give the vote to Haar.
Psychomodo 8-1 (11-3) Chased leading pair until jumped right and weakened 5 out, tailed off, 6th of 10, well behind Master Medic (11-6) at Ascot 2m 1f listed hcp chs (1) gd in Oct.
Double Dizzy 20-1 (11-0) Pressed leader, led 7th to 8th, stayed challenging, every chance 2 out, stayed on gamely, held towards finish, 2nd of 11, 1 3/4l behind Nudge And Nurdle (10-8) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd.
Commemoration Day (IRE) 5-1 (11-5) Chased clear leader until after 6th, struggling badly 4 out, left 2nd last, stayed on well flat, 2nd of 5, 1l behind Kirby's Vic (10-6) at Huntingdon 2m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs.
Haar 13-8fav (10-13) Chased leading pair, improved to chase winner after 6th, closed after 3 out, led going well 2 out, clear when mistake and unseated rider last, in a race won by Kirby's Vic (10-6) at Huntingdon 2m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs, 5 ran.
Island Life (IRE) 28-1 (10-3) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden in 5th 4 out, weakened from 3 out, 10th of 12, well behind Equus Maximus (10-7) at Punchestown 2m 5f nov chs hvy in May.
Royal Wedding 8-1 (10-2) Held up in touch, headway into 3rd 4 out, ridden and weakened before 2 out, 5th of 10, 23l behind Master Medic (11-6) at Ascot 2m 1f listed hcp chs (1) gd in Oct.
Soulard (USA) 6-1 (11-2) Mid-division, ridden after 7th, soon weakened, 5th of 12, 38l behind Another Display (11-2) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Go Silver Bullet (FR) 12-1 (11-8) Led, headed approaching 3 out, one pace, 5th of 11, 1 3/4l behind Newman Des Plages (11-2) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft.
