held up in touch, mistake 1st, weakened 4 out, pulled up before next
with leaders, led from 4th, cleared next, easily
with leaders, weakened from 2 out
led to 4th, left 2nd 2 out, no impression
in rear, headway to chase winner 4 out, fell when held 2 out
Tom's Toybox is taken to land this handicap chase where Blast The Past and Topwell are likely to provide stern opposition. Malcolm Jeffersons' charge is put forward on the basis that improvement is likely to be forthcoming. Today ground conditions are likely to be in his favour and blinkers are applied for the first time. His most recent outing would not inspire confidence but refering to a recent Carlisle run in a hotly contested novice hurdle would instill some hope. It is also worth noting that Jefferson has done well with the family in the past, notably with his full brother Classic Capers. Blast The Past races off an 8lb higher mark than her most recent run, a run that yielded a hard fought victory. She appears to be on the upgrade and with the yard in form should go very close. Topwell has been falling down the ratings and represents a trainer and jockey combination that have to be respected when teaming up. Cheekpieces are re-applied today and a step up on recent form can be expected. Tom's Toybox is our selection to land this trappy contest.
Blast The Past 4-1 (11-1) Blundered badly 1st, in touch, ridden to lead approaching last, ran on well, won at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Dec beating Loch Oscaig (10-9) by 1l, 8 ran.
Tom's Toybox 8-1 (11-9) Held up, blundered 3rd, pushed along and outpaced 7th, chased leaders 4 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 9, 25l behind Loch Oscaig (11-2) at Catterick 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft.
Toulouse Express (IRE) 17-2 (11-0) Held up mid-division, chased leaders approaching 5th, ridden 4 out, one pace from 3 out, 3rd of 9, 17l behind Loch Oscaig (11-2) at Catterick 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft.
Topwell 50-1 (10-3) Tracked leaders, outpaced when hit 8th, weakened from 2 out, 5th of 8, 35l behind Corlande (11-6) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy.
Reckless Venture (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) Mid-division, headway after 8th, ridden 4 out, soon beaten, 5th of 14, 20l behind Native Coll (10-0) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs (5) sft.
Cuccinello (IRE) 25-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders until brought down at the 8th in race won by Native Coll (10-0) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs (5) sft, 14 ran.
