chased leaders, ridden to lead last, driven clear
chased leaders, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, headed last, no impression
held up, ridden, outpaced 8th, headway 3 out, kept on from next
chased leader, led 7th, headed approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
led to 7th, weakened 3 out
held up in touch, ridden along halfway, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden, outpaced approaching 2 out
in rear, struggling from 8th
Cousin Nicky looks capable of accounting for Gidam Gidam and Wicked Nice Fella. The selection hasn't enjoyed the best of fortune over chase fences but he had shown some ability over the smaller obstacles and can take advantage of a lower hurdles mark today. Gidam Gidam has to be respected as a course specialist. A comprehensive winner last Sunday, he is quickly turned out under a penalty. Wicked Nice Fella does tend to hit flat spots in mid race and it would be no surprise to see him outpaced again. He ran a fair race at Fakenham but there is an argument to say that the handicapper has had plenty of opportunity to look at him. Le Royal is often well supported in the betting although the bookmakers have been the ones to be smiling. Karathena has scored over 20 furlongs and is stepped up in trip. The remainder look difficult to fancy on recent racecourse evidence. Cousin Nicky has a golden opportunity to land a decent pot and is likely to be priced accordingly.
Gidam Gidam (IRE) 11-2 (11-3) Chased leaders, led approaching 2 out, kept on well, won at Market Rasen 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft beating Dark Corner (11-1) by 10l, 11 ran.
Cousin Nicky 9-4 (11-0) Led undisputed, definite lead 4 out, not fluent, ridden and strongly pressed 2 out, still holding narrow lead when unseated rider at the last in race won by Reflected Glory (11-12) at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft, 5 ran.
Karathaena (IRE) 18-1 (11-4) In touch, lost place 4 out, rallied 2 out, stayed on to take 2nd run-in, 2nd of 10, 4l behind Speed Venture (10-6) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy in Feb.
Wicked Nice Fella (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Led, headed 7th, outpaced 3 out, headway to lead briefly last, stayed on, 2nd of 10, nk behind New Perk (10-6) at Fakenham 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Feb.
Le Royal (FR) 7-4fav (11-0) Towards rear, struggling 5th, blundered 6th, no impression, 4th of 9, 30l behind Fearless Foursome (10-0) at Kelso 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) hvy in Dec.
Alagon (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) In touch, ridden to chase leaders 4 out, weakened next, 10th of 15, well behind Fountain Crumble (10-5) at Taunton 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Dec.
Beau Coup 14-1 (11-7) Raced keenly in mid-division, headway and in touch 7th, outpaced 2 out, soon no impression, 8th of 13, 29l behind Eriskay (11-9) at Hexham 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd in May.
Southern Bazaar (USA) 5-1 (10-3) With leader, led 6th, headed 3 out, ridden and weakened next, 4th of 11, 27l behind Bright Sparky (11-6) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft.
