held up, headway 10th, went 2nd 3 out, challenged next, ridden and every chance when mistake last, no extra flat
in touch, chased leader 9th, lost place 3 out, ridden and kept on same pace from next
held up, not fluent 3rd and 4th, hit 9th and 11th, ridden and headway to chase leaders approaching 2 out, kept on same pace
behind, ridden and lost touch after 3 out, pulled up before next
tracked leader, lost place 9th, outpaced 3 out, soon ridden, rallied from 2 out, stayed on strongly to lead near finish
led, ridden and hard-pressed from 2 out, kept on and headed, no extra near finish
mid-division, lost place 9th, behind when pulled up near 2 out
In a tricky race, we will side with Good Judgement over the likes of Tribal Dancer, Moustique de L'Isle and Major Benefit. Tribal Dancer's stable is in good form and, although disappointing of late, there is no doubt that he is well weighted on his early 2004 form. Moustique de L'Isle looked an improver at Newcastle last time and, lightly raced, holds claims. Golly is six pounds above the mark of his Taunton win in April 2004, but others are preferred today, while Good Judgement is surely better than his well-backed Wetherby run last time. He has to be seriously considered. Major Benefit comes into it based on his novice efforts last year, while Tom Fruit's Sedgefield win and Carlisle second at the end of last season fully entitle him to respect. Overall, though, we will give another chance to Good Judgement.
Tom Fruit 7-2 (11-10) Chased clear leader, close up 9th, led and hit 4 out, ridden and hit 2 out, headed approaching last, no extra, 2nd of 6, 16l behind Huka Lodge (11-9) at Carlisle 3m nov hcp chs 0-115 (D) hvy in Apr.
Major Benefit (IRE) 9-2 (11-9) Prominent, joined winner 5th to 8th, ridden and every chance approaching 3 out, weakened before next, 4th of 5, 19l behind Jongleur Collonges (11-0) at Towcester 2m 6f hcp chs 0-120 (D) sft in Oct '04.
Good Judgement (IRE) 2-1fav (11-7) Keen early, behind, mistakes 7th, 8th and 9th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Spring Gamble (10-13) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-115 (D) sft in Oct, 9 ran.
Golly (IRE) 25-1 (11-6) In touch, ridden 5th, weakened next, 10th of 18, 19l behind The Hairy Lemon (10-13) at Towcester 2m amt hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gd in Oct.
Moustique de L'Isle (FR) 8-1 (11-1) Held up in mid-division, headway approaching 4 out, stayed on to chase winner flat, no impression, 2nd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Seaniethesmuggler (10-13) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gd in Oct.
Tribal Dancer (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders when brought down at the 5th in race won by Chabrimal Minster (11-9) at Aintree 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (E) sft in Oct, 6 ran.
John Rich 20-1 (9-11) Behind, reminders 9th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up at the 12th in race won by Be The Tops (11-3) at Market Rasen 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (D) gf in Jul, 8 ran.
Place Above (IRE) 9-2 (10-13) Chased leaders, driven halfway, lost place approaching 4 out, soon tailed off, 6th of 13, well behind Stoneravinmad (10-0) at Wetherby 3m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-90 (F) gf in Oct.
