tracked leader, led before 2 out, ran on well (1 fence omitted)
settled in rear but in touch, slow 4th and 5th, effort 2 out, kept on same pace
led until 6th, rallied 3 out, weakened after next, tailed off
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge 3 out, chased winner approaching last, kept on well
chased leaders, led 6th, headed before 2 out, soon lost place
The consistent DICA has won five times over fences since last summer including last month’s victory at Catterick. He looks worth sticking with in this despite a further rise. Pistol Park never threatened the winner when runner-up here last time though finished in front of Wolf Sword, while though Ulis De Vassy won at Southwell on his penultimate start he is 11lb higher today and has been beaten since. The veteran Grey Gold tumbles further down the weights without yet showing any benefit.
Pistol Park (FR) 11-2 (11-11) Towards rear, headway before 6 out, ridden before 3 out, chased winner before 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 9, 8l behind Calipto (11-11) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
Grey Gold (IRE) 12-1 (11-7) Chased leader until 2nd, chased leaders, hit 4th and ridden along, weakened 8th, tailed off, 5th of 8, at Hereford 2m hcp (3) sft in Mar.
Dica (FR) 5-2 (11-12) Jumped well, made all, clear until after 4th, joined before 3 out, clear again from 2 out, stayed on gamely, won at Catterick 2m hcp (4) sft in Mar beating Uno Valoroso (11-5) by 8l, 4 ran.
Wolf Sword (IRE) 13-2 (11-5) Led, headed before 4th, led again 8th, headed before 3 out, weakened before next, 7th of 9, dist behind Calipto (11-11) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
Ulis De Vassy (FR) 7-2 (11-12) Not that fluent, held up, hampered 4 out, modest effort under pressure after 3 out, mistake and weakened 2 out, 4th of 7, 13 3/4l behind Jackthejourneyman (11-2) at Huntingdon 2m hcp (5) gs in Mar.
