held up and always in rear
in touch, weakened 6th, pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
in touch and keen, ridden and every chance 3 out, weakened 2 out
always in rear
mid-division, ridden and closer order 4 out, every chance 3 out, chasing winner and held when pecked last
held up mid-division, headway 6th, led 3 out, hit 2 out, ran on
held up towards rear, headway after 4 out, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last
in touch, mistake 5th, ridden and every chance 3 out, weakened 2 out
mid to rear, ridden 5th, stayed on from 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance 3 out, hit 2 out and weakened
led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakened
held up mid-division, headway 5th, ridden to chase leaders after 4 out, weakened 3 out
Rustler gets a narrow vote in a wide open contest, Perfect Storm and Classic Dream could be the main dangers. Nicky Henderson's charge has never really lived up to his reputation, but still has plenty of ability.He hasn't raced since November when fourth behind Silverburn. He was beaten a fair way in that event but the race has worked out well and he may have got in here on a decent enough mark. Perfect Storm has contested a couple of strong races and is very lightly raced for an eight-year-old, a big run can be expected. Meanwhile Classic Dream will be fancied by many following some very consistent performances in novice events. First Fought is another to consider for the places, but our idea of the winner is Rustler.
Xellance (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Always in rear, 12th of 16, 44l behind Trompette (11-2) at Ludlow 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs.
Silk Screen (IRE) 40-1 (11-1) In touch, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 14, well behind Princelet (10-10) at Kempton 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Dec.
Mister Mustard (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Chased leader, going well in 3rd when fell 4 out in race won by Master Mahogany (11-2) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Dec, 11 ran.
Shannon Springs (IRE) 6-4fav (10-12) Never better than mid-division, 8th of 17, 28l behind Only For Sue (10-9) at Exeter 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
First Fought (IRE) 16-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, outpaced after 3 out, not fluent last, 4th of 5, 24l behind Ring The Boss (9-13) at Catterick 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft.
Sasso 20-1 (11-12) Always behind, tailed off 9th, 6th of 7, well behind Brendar (10-11) at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft.
Kanad 9-2 (11-6) Held up, headway before 3 out, every chance next, weakened last, 4th of 14, 6l behind Sa Nau (10-7) at Fakenham 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gs.
Perfect Storm 6-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened 2 out, 6th of 11, 25l behind Master Mahogany (11-2) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Dec.
Rustler 14-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, went 2nd well before 3 out, stayed on straight, weakened 2 out, 4th of 12, 22l behind Silverburn (11-0) at Newbury 2m nov hdl (3) sft in Nov.
Quasimodo (GB) 33-1 (10-8) With leader, weakened 2 out, last of 7, 46l behind Smoothly Does It (9-12) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) hvy.
Classic Dream (GER) 7-1 (11-5) Led, headed approaching 3 out, led and hit 2 out, headed near finish, 3rd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Altilhar (11-5) at Ludlow 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) gs.
Baie des Flamands (USA) 66-1 (11-9) Always towards rear, 8th of 16, 30l behind Tora Petcha (11-2) at Ludlow 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Dec.
Celticello (IRE) 13-2 (10-13) Prominent, ridden and headway 2 out, chance approaching last, ran on flat, not reach leaders, 3rd of 16, 1 1/2l behind Femme D'avril (9-13) at Wincanton 2m nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in Dec.
