tracked leaders, chased winner 12th, ridden and lost place 14th, left poor 2nd 3 out
led, mostly jumped right, blundered 4th, headed 11th, ridden to regain 2nd 5 out, held when fell 3 out
tracked leader, hit 10th, led next, left clear 3 out, stumbled last
mistake 1st, behind when jumped right 4th, pulled up approaching 8th
High Chimes gets the confident vote here with Ballyjohnboy Lord and Carew Lad rating the main dangers. The selection was a fair fifth in a better race behind Rehersal last tinme out, that form looks rock solid in the context of this race and under conditions that suit he is hard to oppose. Ballyjohnboy rates the main danger on his latest fourth behind Wikd Is The Wind but if this were a handicap he would be better off at the weifghts with the selection and he is taken on with this in mind. Carew Lad is another that could go well on his best form but he has been beset with jumping problems of late and can not be put forward with any confidence. The remainder have shown very little and are readily opposed and for the winner we return to High Chimes who will be hard to beat.
Ballyjohnboy Lord (IRE) 10-3 (11-2) In touch, mistake 8th, weakened after next, 4th of 9, well behind Wild Is The Wind (10-13) at Towcester 2m 3f beg chs (4) sft in May.
Carew Lad 6-1 (11-4) Led until blundered and unseated rider at the 4th in race won by Fast Forward (11-4) at Chepstow 3m nov chs (3) hvy in Feb, 5 ran.
High Chimes (IRE) 13-2 (11-4) In rear and mistakes, brief effort on approaching 4 out, soon beaten, 5th of 11, 18l behind Rehearsal (11-4) at Ludlow 2m beg chs (4) gd in Jan.
Zaffas Melody (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) In touch and keen, ridden 5th, soon weakened and pulled up 5 out in race won by Air Force One (11-5) at Ludlow 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gd in Jan, 16 ran.
Irish Legend (IRE) 25-1 (11-1) Held up, left 4th 2nd, held from 8th, 3rd of 5, 26l behind Officier De Reserve (10-8) at Hereford 2m 3f nov chs (3) sft in Feb.
