with leader, led 7th to 3 out, soon weakened under pressure
not keen, driven along most of way, chased leaders, went 2nd under pressure 7th, weakened 3 out, soon eased
chased leaders, led 3 out, went 7 lengths clear 2 out, hung right. weakening flat, headed final 50 yards
held up, headway 4 out, disputing 7 lengths 2nd 2 out, stayed on approaching last, pressed winner final 100 yards, always held
held up, headway 4 out, hampered next, went 2nd 2 out, driven, stayed on flat, led final 100 yards
made most to 7th, weakened 4 out, well behind when pulled up before next
held up in touch, smooth headway on inside when mistake, pulled up soon after 3 out, dismounted, lame
This is not a great race in which we will give a tentative vote to Xellence with both Bauhaus and Roaringwater worth noting. The selection has not been seen being brought down in a chase at Wincanton a year ago but is the winner of plenty of races on the flat and over hurdles in his career. At his best he was rated in the high 120¿s and with Tony McCoy booked to ride he has more ticks against his name than many of his rivals. Bauhaus has really gone off the boil since winning a couple of races last season. He won a handicap and a novice and looked to be on the up grade but his last couple of outings have been bitterly disappointing and although he is dropped in grade he really does need to step up a gear if he is to win this. Roaringwater comes from the same stable and reverts back to hurdles after a couple of half decent runs in chases. He was good enough to win a selling hurdle in December but he is not one to totally trust. So for the winner we return to Xellence.
Roaringwater (IRE) 7-2 (10-12) Led after 1st, not fluent 9th, ridden and headed after 2 out, relegated to 3rd before last, weakened flat, 3rd of 14, 13l behind Armoury House (10-11) at Towcester 2m 3f hcp chs 0-90 (5) gd in Apr.
Cadoulitique (FR) 20-1 (11-9) Mid-division until 7th, soon behind, 12th of 18, 38l behind Nemetan (11-4) at Exeter 2m 3f cnd nov hcp hdl (5) gf.
Hill Forts Henry 16-1 (10-8) Towards rear, ridden after 5th, weakened 8th, 10th of 16, well behind Sandymac (11-2) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Apr.
Little Rort (IRE) 17-2 (11-12) In touch until lost place quickly 6th, plugged on past beaten horses from 2 out, 5th of 13, 26l behind Hill Forts Henry (11-8) at Taunton 3m cnd sll hcp hdl (5) gs in Apr.
Sycho Fred (IRE) 6-1 (10-13) In touch, chased leaders 8th, weakened next, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Barren Lands (10-6) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f sll hdl (5) gf, 13 ran.
Xellance (IRE) 10-3 (10-6) Tracking leaders when brought down at the 2nd in race won by Matt The Thrasher (11-9) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in May '07, 6 ran.
Assumptalina 8-1 (10-12) In touch, ridden 5th, weakened next, tailed off, 6th of 9, 42l behind Wondersobright (10-13) at Plumpton 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) hvy in Apr.
Bauhaus (IRE) 7-1 (11-3) Mid division, hit 7th, headway approaching 4 out, jumped slowly 3 out, soon dropped away, 8th of 12, 27l behind Wenger (11-4) at Huntingdon 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf.
