chased leaders, went 2nd approaching 3 out, every chance from next, no extra closing stages
tracked leader, driven 4 out, weakened before next, tailed off
made all, not fluent 1st, mistake 3 out, strongly challenged from next, stayed on well
chased leaders, weakened after 3 out, modest 4th
settled in rear but in touch, headway approaching 3 out, every chance next, kept on well under pressure closing stages
Nonrunner
Stars Royale hasn't really progressed since his third at Towcester on Boxing Day. North Germany is another with plenty to prove while Mountain Of Mourne pulled up at Newbury on Friday. GAMAIN has ability but looks as though he saves a bit for himself. If blinkers can encourage him to put his best foot forward, he has a good a chance as any in a modest heat. Zafranagar has been taking on better company but this trip looks beyond his best and For 'N' Against also has his stamina to prove.
North Germany 16-1 (10-10) 4th of 10, 6l behind Veni Des Mottes (10-5) at Enghien(FR) 2m 2f 5yo hdl sft in Nov.
Stars Royale (IRE) 14-1 (11-6) Mid-division, headway 5th, in touch when mistake and unseated rider 3 out, in a race won by Ivy Gate (10-8) at Sandown 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-120 (4) sft in Feb, 10 ran.
Gamain (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, challenged 6th, ridden after 3 out, weakened next, 6th of 17, 38l behind Under The Phone (11-0) at Kempton 2m 5f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Feb.
Zafranagar (IRE) 12-1 (10-3) Held up in rear, ridden after 4th, weakened before 3 out, tailed off, 6th of 7, 49l behind Albert Bridge (11-2) at Chepstow 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Feb.
For 'n' Against (IRE) 28-1 (10-12) Held up and behind, ridden and struggling after 3 out, plugged on from 2 out but never involved, 8th of 13, 27l behind Skylander (10-10) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Mountain Of Mourne (IRE) 13-2 (10-11) Led until 3rd, led next, headed 3 out, not fluent and stayed on same pace last, 4th of 16, 12l behind Sir Ivan (11-4) at Exeter 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
