always in rear, behind from 4 out, pulled up before last
close up, mistake 6th, not jump well after and lost place next, weakened 5 out
in touch, joined leader after 3rd, mistake next, led 9th, ridden clear 2 out, ran on flat
led, headed 9th, chased leader until weakened 2 out
held up in touch, ridden and mistake 4 out, headway to chase winner 2 out, kept on one pace flat
held up towards rear, never dangerous
The Venetia Williams-trained Researcher created a favourable impression when making a winning start to his chasing career at Towcester earlier this month and holds solid claims despite her penalty but preference is for Widemouth Bay, who gets the vote over Wrags To Riches. The selection was easily the best of these over hurdles and should have learned a lot from his first start over the larger obstacles behind the useful Kadount at Plumpton. Jim Culloty takes the ride for the first time on Henrietta Knight's gelding and the hint is taken. Wrags To Riches has found one too good in both starts since falling when clear two out at Newton Abbot in November and is entitled to be thereabouts again, while Alan King's Shaadiva may be better suited by this company having been well held by the experienced handicapper Banker Count on her first start over fences at Leicester recently. Down The Stretch has shown signs of ability and gets all of the allowances going but Widemouth Bay is expected to make his class tell and gets the vote.
