prominent, led after 4 out, blundered when headed next, soon weakened
tracked leaders, driven to challenge approaching 3 out, led approaching 2 out, strongly challenged flat, kept on well
chased leaders, under pressure 4 out, never on terms
led until after 4 out, soon rallied, weakened before last
tracked leader, outpaced 4 out, rallied 2 out, pressed winner after last, just failed
Taste The Wine had Lac Sacre and stablemate Captain Sharpe behind when successful on the Flat at Chepstow 10 days ago and is potentially well treated back over hurdles. The latter did win over timber at Chepstow on his previous start but races from 4lb out of the handicap here. ZARZAL won off this mark over fences at Ludlow earlier this month and was then second off 7lb higher at Market Rasen. A switch back to the smaller obstacles shouldn't be a problem and Evan Williams' charge looks the one to beat. The novice Dan's Wee Man is likely to find this too short.
Zarzal (IRE) 9-4 (11-5) Tracked leaders, led before 6th, blundered 6 out, riden and headed 2 out, kept on and held towards finish, 2nd of 6, 4l behind Vulcanite (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 2f hcp chs 0-140 (3) gd.
Lac Sacre (FR) 8-1 (11-6) Chased leaders to 4th, towards rear, outpaced 6th, headway 3 out, effort to chase leading pair before next, soon ridden, one pace last, no impression flat, 3rd of 10, 4 1/2l behind Hint Of Mint (11-9) at Taunton 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Apr.
Taste The Wine (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, weakened approaching 4 out, tailed off, 9th of 13, 43l behind Ossie's Dancer (11-4) at Chepstow 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gs in Apr.
Dan's Wee Man 20-1 (11-0) Led until 3 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching next, 11th of 13, 32l behind Colebrooke (11-2) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gf.
Captain Sharpe 9-4fav (11-1) Held up in touch, challenged on inside and led narrowly 2 out, strongly pressed last, ridden and kept on run-in, won at Taunton 2m 1f sel hcp hdle 0-100 (5) gd in Apr beating Moneymix (10-3) by 2 1/4l, 7 ran.
