chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, led after 2 out, ridden out
chased leaders, mistake 4 out, ridden and every chance when blundered 2 out, stayed on from last
with leader, left in lead after 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last, soon weakened
held up in rear, ridden approaching 4 out, 4 lengths down and rallying when fell 2 out
led, stumbled badly and headed after 3 out, soon ridden, switched right approaching last, ran on towards finish
A small but competitively framed field goes to post for this handicap chase, with the principal players looking to be King Of The Arctic, Mighty Fine and Brave Thoughts, with our vote going to King Of The Arctic. The selection was won his last two races in good style, most notably when beating Burwood Breeze last time out. Granted he is rising in the weights but he still won with a little in hand last time out and looks ahead of the handicapper. He will be hard to beat. Mighty Fine rates the main danger as he won well last time out when beating Kids Inheritance. But that horse has since let the form down and he may struggle under a penalty. Brave Thought is another who is in fair form having been a fair third behind Jericho last time out. However, he looks weighted up to his best so he is passed over on this occasion. Of the remainder: Xaipete is well in on his best form but his best efforts have come over a longer trip of late. Whereas Mr Meyer is an Irish raider from a shrewd yard so is worth noting in the market. Even so, for the winner, we return to the progressive King Of The Arctic.
Mighty Fine 11-2 Led, headed 3rd, tracked leader to 9th, outpaced when hit 3 out, ridden and stayed on well to lead flat, won at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-115 (D) gs beating Kids Inheritance by 2l, 9 ran.
Brave Thought (IRE) 7-2 Tracked leaders, effort 5th, ridden to chase winner 4 out, no impression from next, 3rd of 6, 16l behind Jericho III at Ayr 2m hcp chs 0-115 (D) gs in Jan.
King Of The Arctic (IRE) 9-2 Tracked leaders, took closer order 9th, led 5 out, ridden and jumped right from 3 out, all out, won at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (D) sft in Jan beating Burwood Breeze by 1l, 8 ran.
Xaipete (IRE) 4-1 Held up racing keenly, headway 8th, close up 3 out, ridden next, kept on same pace, 5th of 9, 7l behind Mighty Fine at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-115 (D) gs.
Mr Meyer (IRE) 10-1 Led and clear, reduced advantage before 6 out, headed from 4 out, weakened from before next, 12th of 18, 33l behind No Rows at Clonmel 2m ldy hcp hdl sft in Feb.
