held up in mid-division, ridden 14th, soon weakened
held up last, ridden and headway after 15th, left 2nd last, kept on same pace
prominent, led 12th, blundered 15th, hard ridden from 3 out, ran on gamely from 2 out
held up towards rear, some headway 12th, ridden approachign 4 out, weakening when not fluent 3 out, behind when fell 2 out
always chasing leaders, ridden 16th and chased winner, staying on one pace in 2nd when mistake and unseated rider last
towards rear when fell 8th
led to 12th, ridden approaching 14th, weakened 3 out, left poor 3rd last
prominent, ridden 15th, weakened 16th
A competitive, contest get proceedings under way despite the small field but the principals look to be Joaaci, Bunratty Castle and Comanche Jim and the confident vote is given to Joaaci. The selection has been in good form of late and was a good second last time out behind My Will. He returns to the fray quickly after that defeat and if this race has not come to quick for him he will be hard to beat under conditions that suit. Bunratty Castle rates the main danger on his latest third behind Walter's Destiny but he lacks the scope of the selection and for that reason he is passed over on this occasion. Commanche Jim is another worthy of respect as he won well last time when beating Silent Gunner but this looks more competitive and he may struggle under his penalty. Of the remainder Latitude has the ability to go close on his best form but has shown very little of late so can not be put forward with any confidence and for the winner we return to the progressive Joaaci.
Yann's (FR) 15-2 Behind, pushed along from 7th, headway 10th, weakened approaching 14th and pulled up 4 out in race won by Red Devil Robert at Newbury 3m hcp chs 0-135 (C) gs, 10 ran.
Latitude (FR) 9-1 Held up, headway 10th, ridden after 12th, weakening when blundered 4 out, 4th and no chance when fell last, remounted and continued, 7th of 10, well behind Gunner Welburn at Bangor 3m hcp chs 0-130 (C) gs.
Bunratty Castle (IRE) 7-4fav Held up towards rear, mistake 11th, headway 14th, left 2nd 4 out, weakened approaching 3 out, 3rd of 9, 25l behind Walter's Destiny at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs in Dec.
Kittenkat 8-1 Prominent, lost place 9th, ridden after 11th, behind from 13th, 7th of 11, 17l behind Twisted Logic at Exeter 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (D) gd.
Lets Go Dutch 12-1 Held up towards rear, headway 13th, ridden approaching 4 out, stayed on, 4th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Twisted Logic at Exeter 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (D) gd.
Commanche Jim (IRE) 13-2 Held up in touch, ridden approaching 5 out, hard ridden to lead flat, stayed on, won at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-100 (F) sft in Mar beating Silent Gunner by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Five Alley (IRE) 5-1 Hampered 1st, tracked leaders, weakened after 11th, 3rd of 7, 18l behind Sweet Diversion at Stratford 3m beg chs (D) gf.
