chased leaders, led 4 out, challenged next, headed when mistake 2 out, no extra flat
chased leaders, effort when mistake 3 out, fell next
led, headed after 5th, mistake next, lost place when blundered and unseated rider 4 out
tracked leader, led after 5th, headed 4 out, soon rallied, led again 2 out, ran on well
held up in rear but in touch, blundered 6 out, driven into 4th 4 out, left in modest 3rd 2 out
Subsequent Grade 1 winner Dynamite Dollars won this last year for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden and the filly MALAYA (NAP) can follow in her stablemate’s hoofprints. A Grade 3 winner over hurdles last season, she will know her job and the 7lb she receives from her rivals is a bonus. This is a potentially informative novice chase, however, and Rouge Vif will be a big danger if taking to fences as he won a Grade 2 over the smaller obstacles last term. The race-fit Earlofthecotswolds is also only five and he only gave best close home in a Listed hurdle here three weeks ago but Baddesley Knight may be up against it, though makes more appeal than L'inganno Felice who is the senior runner and returning from a year on the sidelines.
Baddesley Knight (IRE) 6-4 (11-6) Chased leaders, 2nd 2 out, ridden and every chance run-in, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 13, 1l behind Acey Milan (11-0) at Plumpton 2m (4) sft in Feb.
Earlofthecotswolds (FR) 7-2 (10-7) Tracked leaders, challenged going well 2 out, ridden flat, held towards finish, 2nd of 13, 1 1/4l behind Scarlet Dragon (10-6) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp lst (1) gd in Sep.
L'Inganno Felice (FR) 6-1 (11-4) Chased leader, mistake 5th, driven 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out, at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp lst (1) gd in Sep.
Rouge Vif (FR) 9-1 (11-4) Chased winner, mistake 5th, ridden after mistake 3 out, 5 lengths down when mistake and lost 2nd last, one pace flat, just held on to 3rd, 3rd of 7, 8 1/2l behind Felix Desjy (11-4) at Aintree 2m (1) sft in Apr.
Malaya (FR) 7-1 (10-12) In touch on outside, driven and lost place after 4 out, soon beaten, weakening when blundered 2 out, 12th of 14, 21l behind Verdana Blue (11-10) at Ayr 2m hcp (1) gd in Apr.
