chased winner, under pressure when not fluent 3 out, soon weakened
chased clear leader, weakened after 3 out, soon no impression
made all, soon clear, ran on strongly, unchallenged (no time taken)
tracked leaders, lost place before 4 out, soon behind
mid-division, under pressure 4 out, weakening when mistake next
mid-division, lost place 4 out, soon pulled up
behind, tailed off 3 out
always towards rear, pulled up before 3 out
always behind, pulled up 3 out
mid-division, lost place halfway, rallied 3 out, never on terms
The McCain operation took this last year and can do so again with COOL MISSION; he's selected over Quenzo Pierji, Captive Audience and Abbevillian in a race that should concern just four. Our selection has to carry a double penalty having won two similar contests over two and a half miles. On the last occasion he was mightily impressive and with the ground drying out, which should be to his liking, there are no real concerns about his ability to stay this far. He's taken to get the better of Quenzo Pierji, a fascinating addition to the team at Ditcheat. This point-to-point winner is related to some fair French jumpers and has already shown that he stays this far and acts on the ground; the market will tell us whether he's expected to win on his first run for the yard. Captive Audience attracted a little each-way support when taking his seat at the top table at Aintree and he'll find this easier but there are reservations about his stamina whilst Abbevillian may want the ground a little softer although his win at Ludlow has been franked by the subsequent success of Wayward Prince at Aintree. This is an interesting novices' hurdle and we'll take Cool Mission to continue his progression by landing it.
Cool Mission (IRE) 2-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, headway 4 out, challenged next, led before 2 out, soon clear, comfortably, won at Carlisle 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Mar beating Chicago Outfit (11-1) by 18l, 16 ran.
Abbevillian (IRE) 11-10fav (11-5) Led 2nd, ridden before 2 out, driven and joined last, headed and unable to quicken run-in, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Aldertune (10-12) at Plumpton 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Captive Audience (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Tracked leader, led 2nd, jumped right 4th, 5th and 6th, headed 3 out, quickly weakened, 8th of 9, 41l behind General Miller (11-4) at Aintree 2m nov hdl G2 (1) gd.
Coppingers Court (IRE) 40-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway 6th, jumped right and weakened 8th, tailed off, 7th of 9, well behind Barafundle (11-9) at Warwick 3m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Mooncoin Man (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Held up in last pair, mistake and reminders 3rd, dropped to rear after 13th, tailed off 4 out, last of 5, 49l behind Quartz Du Montceau (11-7) at Plumpton 3m 2f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy.
Quenzo Pierji (FR) 3-1 (12-0) Alw pr & ld, adv bef last, lft clr bef last, row, won at Ballingarry 3m ire ptp in May beating Noble Ode (12-0) by 6l, 18 ran.
R Craig (IRE) 40-1 (11-1) Chased leader, led 3f out, headed 2f out, stayed on same pace from over 1f out, 5th of 16, 5l behind Reinriver (10-3) at Wincanton 2m mdn NH flat (6) gd in Mar.
Vin De Roy (FR) 11-1 (11-2) Led until 3f out, soon ridden and beaten, 3rd of 5, 21l behind Safran De Cotte (10-12) at Haydock 2m NH flat (6) hvy.
Elmbridge Lady (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Mid-division, reminders after 5th, soon rear, tailed off approaching 7th, pulled up after, in a race won by Prescelli (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 5f mrs nov hdl (4) gs in Mar, 11 ran.
Just Chrissie 16-1 (9-12) In touch, lost place after 3rd, soon ridden, lost touch approaching 5th, tailed off, 5th of 8, well behind Carrig An Uisce (11-12) at Hereford 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-85 (5) sft in Mar.
Pull The Wool (IRE) 40-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, weakened before 3 out, 7th of 17, well behind Shoegazer (11-0) at Kempton 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) gd.
