TOPSHAM BELLE won twice over hurdles last winter but, being from the same family as Whitbread winner Topsham Bay, was always likely to come into her own when sent over fences and connections look to have found a nice opportunity for her to make a winning start here. Bosamcliff has a pleasing attitude but her size may always limit her over the larger obstacles and she was well beaten when second at Wincanton last month. Sway, highly tried over hurdles, caused a surprise at Ludlow on her second start over fences, however, and has scope for further improvement.
Bathwick Quest (IRE) 28-1 (10-8) Led until after 4th, last after 7th, weakened approaching 4 out, last of 4, 25l behind Rock Noir (11-1) at Exeter 2m 1f nov chs (2) gs in Nov.
Bosamcliff (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Tracked leading pair, chased wnner 4th, well held from 3 out, no chance when went right last, 2nd of 4, 8l behind Easter Legend (11-6) at Wincanton 2m 5f mares nov chs (4) gs in Nov.
Here's The Key (FR) 11-8fav (11-7) Jinked right and fell 1st, in a race won by Irish Guard (11-9) at Leicester 2m 4f cnd hcp chs (0-95) (5) gd in Nov, 3 ran.
Home She Goes (IRE) 13-2 (10-11) Tracked leader after 2nd, led after next, headed 3 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 12, 14l behind Tom O'Tara (9-11) at Warwick 2m nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Feb.
Karingreason 14-1 (11-5) Prominent in chasing group, ridden after 3 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 8, 26l behind Pokanoket (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 5f mrs hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Mar.
Topsham Belle (IRE) 12-1 (10-7) Mid-division, ridden when not fluent 4th, soon struggling, 12th of 18, 28l behind Ryde Back (10-5) at Newbury 2m 5f mares nov hcp hdl Listed (1) sft in Mar.
Sway (FR) 8-1 (9-11) Soon chased leaders, not fluent 3rd, challenged 2 out, led last, hung left final 100 yards and bumped rival horse, held on close home, won at Ludlow 2m beg chs (4) gs in Nov beating Rougham (10-7) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
