tracked winner, took closer order 5 out, hampered 3 out, weakened next
tracked leaders, pecked 4 out, carried left 2 out, every chance last, held run-in
made all, jumped mainly left throughout, kept on well from last
in rear and in touch, went 3rd from 2 out, one pace
We've lost patience with Colour Squadron, who has found one too good in six of his nine starts over fences. Admittedly, he often competes in decent company but that is also the case today. Cogry showed plenty of grit to hold off Allez Vic in a handicap at Chepstow last month and likes the mud. Wakanda was second in a Grade 2 at Doncaster last time having won earlier at Kelso, but may be better over further. CLOSE TOUCH jumped like an old hand when making a winning start over fences at Wincanton on Boxing Day. A Grade 3 winner over hurdles, he was returning from a lengthy absence at the Somerset track and will take all the beating here if that hasn't taken too much out of him.
Close Touch 11-8fav (11-0) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd at 11th, led after 5 out, drew clear from 2 out, stayed on well, comfortably, won at Wincanton 2m 4f nov chs (3) sft in Dec beating Wilton Milan (10-7) by 11l, 5 ran.
Cogry 9-1 (10-13) Held up, headway 9th, went 2nd before 5 out, led 2 out, jumped left last, drivne out, won at Chepstow 3m nov hcp chs (3) hvy in Dec beating Allez Vic (10-5) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Wakanda (IRE) 10-1 (11-8) Led after 1st, headed 3f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace and no impression with winner from over 1f out, 2nd of 4, 13l behind Virak (11-8) at Doncaster 3m nov chs Grade 2 (1) sft in Dec.
Colour Squadron (IRE) 7-4fav (11-2) Held up in rear, headway last (usual 3 out), went 2nd approaching bypassed 2 out, ridden and effort over 1f out, soon hung left, held final 100 yards, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Champagne West (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov chs (2) sft in Nov.
