led, hard driven when challenged from 2 out, stayed on well closing stages
held up in touch, took keen hold, chased leaders after 3 out, driven to challenge next, stayed on same pace
tracked leader, driven to challenge 2 out, every chance last, edged left run in, led final 100 yards, rider soon dropped whip, ran on
held up in touch, mistake 4th, soon outpaced, rallying when mistake 4 out, weakened next
tracked leader, effort approaching 2 out, no impression
WINTER ESCAPE has only had to be shaken up to win both starts at Doncaster with plenty in hand. His form is nothing special but Alan King holds him in high regard and he'll be heading to the Supreme Novices' if completing his hat-trick. King also runs Oceane and he runs in the McNeill family colours successful on another four-year-old, Grumeti, in 2012. Marracudja was no match for Altior and Open Eagle here on Boxing Day but that pair are smart novices and he should fare better today. Welsh Shadow is no mug but was well beaten last time and Cold March is probably having a confidence-booster having lost his way over fences.
Marracudja (FR) 11-2 (11-8) Led, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened flat, 3rd of 10, 20l behind Altior (11-8) at Kempton 2m (2) gs in Dec.
Welsh Shadow (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) Held up in last, pushed along after 3 out, went 4th before 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 5, dist behind Yorkhill (11-7) at Sandown 2m (1) hvy in Jan.
Winter Escape (IRE) 1-5fav (11-5) Tracked leader, challenged on bit from 3 out, led going well before last, kept on well, won at Doncaster 2m 1f (4) gs in Feb beating Bantam (11-5) by 6l, 8 ran.
Cold March (FR) 7-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear when ran out and unseated rider at 10th, at Ascot 2m 5f hcp (2) sft in Jan.
Oceane (FR) 11-4 (11-6) Chased leader until 2 out, soon ridden, one pace and beaten last, no extra final 150 yards, 4th of 5, 9l behind Wolf Of Windlesham (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m (1) gs in Nov.
