chased leaders, ridden and weakened from 9th
held up, chased leaders halfway, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on same pace
held up, hampered 9th, headway approaching 3 out, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, not fluent last, edged left run in, kept on
with leader, led 3rd, headed after 4 out, no extra after last
chased leaders, pushed along approaching 9th, weakened 4 out
held up mid-division, blundered 9th, weakened next
held up, reminders approaching 10th, weakened 4 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
led to 3rd, led again after 4 out, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, kept on from last
held up in rear, effort 4 out, soon weakened
held up mid-division, chased leaders after 4 out, ridden approaching next, soon weakened
A 12lb rise in the weights for his romp at Catterick makes life tougher for FESTIVAL KING but he is still fancied to be ahead of the handicapper and is nominated in preference to Percutant and Laborec. Although his two wins in December were the first of his career, the selection now looks to have got the hang of things and as a result he may still have a bit in hand on the handicapper. He acts on any ground, has no problems at all with this tight quick track and as a result is given the vote of confidence. Laborec and Singalongtasveer both rate as dangers, with the former returning to hurdles after a decent chase debut at the track, whilst the latter runs this course well. He was beaten by Percutant here last time but there wasn't much in it and they may not be far apart once again. Kyber runs well here, and Jim Goldie's gelding is not one to rule out despite his latest disappointing effort suggesting that he is now too high in the weights. Orang Outan is consistent but continues to struggle to win, whilst Itzacliche is effective on a quick ground on a right-handed track and as a result is afforded utmost respect. A tricky race, but preference is for Festival King.
Laborec (IRE) 2-1fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden and every chance 3 out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Hernando's Boy (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Dec.
Singhalongtasveer 12-1 (11-2) Mid-division, smooth headway to lead approaching 3 out, soon ridden, kept on until headed, no extra flat, 2nd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Percutant (11-7) at Musselburgh 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Jan.
Percutant (FR) 9-2jt-fav (11-7) Mid-division, smooth headway and every chance 2 out, soon ridden, driven and led flat, won at Musselburgh 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Jan beating Singhalongtasveer (11-2) by 1 1/2l, 15 ran.
Kyber 5-2fav (10-12) Held up, some headway after 4 out, soon ridden and no impression, 7th of 14, 12l behind Strobe (9-13) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Feb.
Doris's Gift 9-2 (10-4) Towards rear, reminders after 10th, behind when pulled up 4 out in race won by Nelliedonethat (10-11) at Musselburgh 3m cnd hcp chs (5) gs in Jan, 12 ran.
Rusty Red (IRE) 25-1 (10-13) Held up and behind, headway approaching 12th, weakened 15th, hampered last, 4th of 10, 35l behind Victor Daly (11-1) at Southwell 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Apr.
Stainley (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) Led and keen, headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 8th of 9, 35l behind Nelson du Ronceray (11-9) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft.
Sonara (IRE) 13-2 (11-8) Behind and outpaced when fell 5 out in race won by Box Wallah (11-2) at Kelso 2m 6f cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Oct, 17 ran.
Orang Outan (FR) 13-2 (10-1) In touch, chased leader 12th, hit 4 out, ridden and kept on approaching last, one pace flat, 3rd of 11, 10l behind Montevideo (11-11) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Jan.
Itzacliche (IRE) 12-1 (10-9) Held up in rear, headway on outside 3 out, chased winner approaching 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 11, 9l behind Roznic (11-8) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Oct.
Festival King (IRE) 5-2 (10-4) Held up and raced wide, chased leaders approaching 3rd, led and clear between last 2, won at Catterick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Dec beating Cave Hill (11-5) by 6l, 15 ran.
