mid-division, ridden after 10th, chased leaders after 4 out, kept on
prominent, ridden and mistake 12th, soon weakened, pulled up approaching 3 out
held up in touch, ridden approaching 4 out, chased leader until weakened 2 out
blundered 1st, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 8th
prominent, ridden and weakened quickly 4 out, pulled up approaching 3 out
held up towards rear, pushed along 11th, stayed on from 3 out
led, ridden 4 out, mistake and headed 3 out, soon no chance with winner
held up towards rear, good headway from approaching 11th, chased leader 4 out, led on bit and hit 3 out, soon clear, eased close home
chased leader, ridden 10th, weakened 3 out
A tough race to call here for punters with very little between many of the leading lights, but the principals look to be Full On, Designer Label and Hazel Bank Lass, with the narrow vote given to Designer Label. The selection won well last time out when beating Compton Chick. Granted, he has an 850-day absence to overcome but his yard is well able to have them fit after a break and off, what looks a fair mark and under conditions that suit, he is taken to score. Full On rates the main danger on his latest second behind Major Benefit. He will appreciate this slightly shorter trip and will not be far away, but he is more exposed than the selection and for that reason he is opposed. Hazel Bank Lass is another that could go well as she has dropped to a handy mark, but she has been very disappointing of late so cannot be put forward with any confidence. Of the remainder, it would be no surprise if Opportunity Knocks showed improved form in first time cheekpieces, while Smart Guy saves all his best form for this track and he could go well at a price but, for the winner, we return to Designer Lable in the hope that he is fit enough to do himself justice.
Joe Deane (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, joined winner 4 out, every chance when fell 4 out in race won by Free Gift (11-5) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gd in Dec, 13 ran.
Royale Acadou (FR) 50-1 (11-6) Disputed lead until 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 8, 24l behind Muttley Maguire (11-7) at Folkestone 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gd in Nov.
Full On 16-1 (11-1) In touch, chased winner 4 out, weakening when mistake 2 out, 2nd of 17, 14l behind Major Benefit (11-5) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp chs 0-105 (E) hvy in Dec.
Designer Label (IRE) 9-2 (11-11) Always prominent, led 14th, clear 2 out, easily, won at Hereford 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf in Sept '03 beating Compton Chick (11-12) by 7l, 8 ran.
Hazel Bank Lass (IRE) 7-1 (10-11) Towards rear, headway 10th, close up when blundered 4 out, weakened 3 out, 5th of 14, well behind Graceful Dancer (10-11) at Towcester 3m chs 0-90 (F) gs in Dec.
Smart Guy 5-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, ridden 12th, soon weakened, 7th of 10, well behind Saucy Night (11-7) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-90 (F) gs in Feb.
Rosses Point (IRE) 14-1 (10-0) Mid-division, headway 8th, chased winner from 11th, weakened 3 out, 4th of 17, 19l behind Major Benefit (11-5) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp chs 0-105 (E) hvy in Dec.
Opportunity Knocks 11-1 (10-9) Always behind, under pressure 6th, no chance from 10th, 5th of 8, 26l behind Jolly Boy (11-7) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (F) sft in Dec.
