tracked leader until not fluent and lost 2nd briefly 3rd, lost 2nd 3 out, pushed along on long run before 2 out, led approaching 2 out, soon clear, stayed on strongly
held up 4th, pushed along and weakened before 2 out
tracked leading pair, went 2nd briefly 3rd, raced in 3rd, pushed along before 2 out, went modest 2nd and hit last, no chance with winner
led, pushed along and headed before 2 out, chased winnner but never any chance, dropped to 3rd and not fluent last, weakened
SEARCHING looks the answer to this receiving 10lb from Harley Rebel. The latter came out on top when this pair clashed at Fontwell on Boxing Day but the selection was making his hurdling debut on that occasion and a big turnaround in the weights should help him gain revenge. Alhamareer may have finished in the frame in his last two starts but was beaten a long way on each occasion. However, this is a lot easier than the Fred Winter at Cheltenham for which he still holds an entry. Shintori has finished tailed off in both races since arriving from France.
Harley Rebel 9-4fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, effort 3 out, led after next, soon ridden, headed narrowly after last, rallied to regain lead near finish, won at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (4) hvy in Feb beating Ayalor (11-6) by nk, 11 ran.
Searching (IRE) 6-1 (10-12) Tracked leader until mistake 2 out, soon one pace and beaten, left 3rd when slightly hampered last, 3rd of 5, 17l behind Akavit (11-4) at Sandown 2m (3) sft in Feb.
Alhamareer (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, headed before 2 out, ridden and weakened before last, 3rd of 7, 27 1/2l behind Ardamir (11-5) at Doncaster 2m 1f (4) gd in Feb.
Shintori (FR) 8-1 (10-12) Held up in touch in mid-division, closed 5th, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 5th of 9, dist behind St Saviour (10-12) at Ludlow 2m mdn (5) hvy in Jan.
