not always fluent, tracked winner until 7th, went 2nd again 3 out, no impression
made all, jumped right at times, clear approaching 4 out, not fluent last, stayed on well
tracked leaders, pressed for 2nd from 4th, not fluent 9th, no impression on winner when mistake 3 out, soon weakened
DARE ME can't remain a maiden over fences for much longer and, though he'll need to jump better than when a beaten favourite at Exeter 11 days ago, is probably the one to beat at the weights. Wings Of Smoke has some decent form to his name but was pulled up in a handicap at Doncaster last time while Kandari made an early exit at Kempton two weeks ago and has a bit to prove now. Shadows Lengthen was staying on when blundering and unseating his rider at Kelso earlier this month, however, and could go close here with a clear round as he'd been impressive at Sedgefield earlier.
Shadows Lengthen 6-4 (11-4) Tracked leading pair from 2nd, went 2nd 3 out, ridden after next, 2 lengths down and staying on when blundered and unseated rider last, in a race won by No Planning (11-7) at Kelso 2m 1f nov chs (4) sft, 6 ran.
Dare Me (IRE) Evensfav (10-12) Chased winner until 8th, tracked leading pair, went 2nd again before 4 out, hit 3 out, held between last 2, went right and hit last, 2nd of 6, 10l behind Jump City (11-5) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (3) sft.
Wings Of Smoke (IRE) 3-1fav (11-6) In rear, weakened 9th, tailed off, pulled up before 4 out, in a race won by The Chazer (11-2) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Feb, 8 ran.
Kandari (FR) 3-1fav (11-12) Held up in 5th, mistake 1st, blundered and fell 4th, in a race won by Morgan's Bay (9-10) at Kempton 2m nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft, 7 ran.
