in touch, headway 4 out, led before next, ridden and headed 2 out, stayed on under pressure flat, held towards finish
tracked leader, blundered 5th, lost place approaching next, behind when pulled up before 3 out
mid-division, close up approaching 6th, challenged 3 out, led narrowly next, soon ridden, held on under pressure flat
mid-division, ridden 4 out, soon weakened
held up, always behind
led, headed before 3 out, soon ridden, no impression from next
towards rear, ridden 5 out, never on terms
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Roobihoo is recommended ahead of Imtihan and Harry Hooly. The first-time tongue tie brought about a better run from Chris Grant's representative last week and the gelding was only narrowly run out of it by the useful Silken Pearls. Provided that the race hasn't taken too much out of him - he has to have a solid formbook chance in spite of the welter-burden of 11st12lb in Heavy ground. Imtihan clearly has more ability than he has shown on the racecourse. Often well-backed, it will be interesting to see if the "faces" are on again. He stays further than this so the trip should hold no worries. Harry Hooly is a dour stayer. A Hexham specialist - he should handle the surface although his recent form has been little to write home about. Nolife was pulled up when he last met Roobihoo. He looked a progressive type during 2004. Unfortunately for connections, his outings have been plagued by training troubles so the market is best watched. Kidithou is well in if his chasing mark is taken to consideration. He is at best, inconsistent as a betting proposition. Armentieres may find that his pace will be blunted by today's surface. Peter's Imp has yet to beat a horse home this season. Roobihoo gets the nod.
Roobihoo (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders, chased winner approaching 2 out, hard ridden and every chance last, just held, 2nd of 7, nk behind Silken Pearls (11-11) at Carlisle 2m 4f cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy.
Imtihan (IRE) 7-2fav (10-6) In touch, chased leaders after 4 out, chased winner after last, no impression, 2nd of 15, 21l behind Fair Question (11-1) at Ayr 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Feb.
Harry Hooly 11-1 (10-11) With leader, driven and lost pace 7th, soon behind, 9th of 10, well behind General Duroc (11-12) at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy in Feb.
Peter's Imp (IRE) 40-1 (11-2) Always behind, tailed off from 4 out, last of 12, well behind Front Rank (11-6) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Feb.
Armentieres 5-1 (11-2) Mid-division, outpaced 5th, kept on from 2 out, no impression, 5th of 17, 5l behind Beau Torero (10-9) at Catterick 2m sll hdl (5) gs.
Lady Past Times 16-1 (10-6) Behind from 5th, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Cody (10-4) at Newcastle 3m cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) hvy in Feb, 9 ran.
Nolife (IRE) 3-1fav (11-10) Led, headed 6th, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out pulled up 2 out in race won by Silken Pearls (11-11) at Carlisle 2m 4f cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy, 7 ran.
Kidithou (FR) 5-1fav (11-7) Close 2nd in chasing group when blundered and unseated rider 5 out in race won by Prince Adjal (11-1) at Ayr 3m cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft, 13 ran.
