jumped poorly, always in rear, ridden 13th, struggling when hit next, tailed off
held up behind leaders, hit 4 out, headway on bit to track leader after next, already in lead and looked likely winner when blundered and fell 2 out
led, hit 10th, ridden and strongly pressed after 3 out, already headed when left clear 2 out, hit last
chased leaders, slow jump 6th, driven and struggling after 3 out, left poor 2nd 2 out
chased leader until blundered badly 2nd, regained 2nd and blundered 4th, weakened after 3 out
A tricky one despite the lack of numbers, and only a speculative nomination goes the way of THEDREAMSTILLALIVE who edges the vote over Zacharova and Waltham Abbey. The line-up is completed by Crossbarry Boy and Jades Double, who do have bits and pieces of form to their names but recent efforts create the impression they are too risky for investment at this stage. Waltham Abbey makes a touch more appeal, as he has very few miles on the clock and it is noteworthy connections are persevering with him after a number of training setbacks. An absence of 567 is a huge concern though. And he looks opposable - especially on ground that may be softer than ideal. Zacharova is from a yard in great from and is difficult to overlook. Still, this former inmate of Jim Bolger's ran dismally last time out and the cracks are starting to show. Therefore, looking from a punting angle, we switch allegiances to Thedreamstillalive who will love the conditions and can be expected to be peaking at the right time following a blow-out at Warwick last month. Jason Maguire knows the eight-year-old very well and, as the gelding is currently 8lb below his last winning mark, the handicapper also appears to have pitched in to help him regain the winning thread.
Crossbarry Boy (IRE) 50-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, ridden 11th, badly hampered 12th, soon weakened, 5th of 10, 48l behind Et Maintenant (11-6) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Oct.
Zacharova (IRE) 6-1 (11-1) In touch, mistake and lost place 11th, behind when pulled up at the 12th in race won by Cresswell Willow (11-3) at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Nov, 15 ran.
Thedreamstillalive (IRE) 12-1 (11-11) Held up in rear, not fluent 2nd, lost touch from 12th, tailed off, 9th of 10, well behind Najca De Thaix (11-12) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Nov.
Jades Double 16-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, lost place 7th, behind when hampered 10th, no chance when pulled up at the 11th in race won by Soleil Fix (10-9) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in May, 9 ran.
Waltham Abbey 5-2fav (10-11) Led 2nd, hit 8th, headed after 3 out and weakened, 4th of 10, 29l behind Ashwell (11-2) at Towcester 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) sft in May '07.
