prominent, led after 2nd, headed when not fluent 2 out, weakened before next
mid-division, headway after 7th, led 2 out, ridden clear flat, ran on well, readily
in touch in mid-division, pushed along after 7th, weakening when fell 3 out
held up towards rear, effort on inside before 3 out, no impression, weakened before 2 out
held up towards rear, headway when not fluent 3 out, tracking leaders next, soon ridden and beaten
led until after 2nd, remained prominent, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened before next
tracked leaders, pushed along after 7th, outpaced 2 out, stayed on flat
prominent, every chance 3 out, not quicken next, stayed on same pace last
held up in rear, mistakes 6th and 3 out, headway 2 out, went 2nd when not fluent last, no impression on winner
held up in rear, hampered 3 out, weakened before next
held up in touch, challenged 3 out, 3rd and beaten last, stayed on same pace
Golden Chieftain, a winner at Chepstow and Exeter this season, is worth a second look on his handicap debut. The versatile Reindeer Dippin tackles a longer trip in his hat-trick bid but Devotion To Duty has already proved his stamina and has improved lately. Sir Kezbaah disappointed when favourite at Haydock last month, however, while Basford Bob often ruins his chance by pulling too hard and the mare Naughty Naughty has more to do than when winning a novice event at Huntingdon last time. RED HARBOUR wasn't beaten far at Wincanton on his latest start, despite being kept wide throughout by his amateur rider. Ruby Walsh takes over the reins today and Paul Nicholls' charge can get off the mark for the season off what appears a generous mark.
Reindeer Dippin 9-2fav (11-1) Made all, ridden before last, just held on, won at Newcastle 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) hvy in Feb beating Best Prospect (11-7) by nk, 12 ran.
Golden Chieftain (IRE) 2-1fav (11-11) Raced keenly tracking leaders, always travelling well, led 4 out, clear when not fluent 2 out, comfortable, won at Exeter 2m 3f nov hdl (4) sft in Feb beating Kind Of Easy (11-4) by 6l, 14 ran.
Quickbeam (IRE) 7-1 (11-11) Prominent, ridden and weakened before 3 out, 11th of 15, well behind Al Co (11-12) at Doncaster 3m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Feb.
Naughty Naughty 4-1 (11-5) Raced wide, mid-division, tracked leaders approaching 7th, led approaching 2 out, driven clear last, stayed on well, eased towards finish, won at Huntingdon 2m 5f mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Feb beating Line Freedom (11-5) by 4l, 14 ran.
Red Harbour (IRE) 9-2 (10-13) In touch, headway 3 out, challenged next, every chnace last, soon ridden, edged left and lost place flat, no extra, 6th of 14, 8l behind Sparrow Hills (9-10) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Jan.
Devotion To Duty (IRE) 7-1 (11-3) Led until after 3rd, led 5th, ridden and tried to assert approaching last, headed close home, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Numide (11-6) at Bangor 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft.
Sir Kezbaah (IRE) 7-2fav (10-9) Held up mid-division, ridden before and hit 7th, weakened 4 out, 10th of 13, 47l behind Skippers Brig (11-11) at Haydock 3m hcp hdl (2) hvy in Feb.
Pavillon Bleu (FR) 8-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, driven and lost place after 3 out, rallied on inside next, soon ridden, kept on and disputed close up 3rd when mistake last, no extra flat, 4th of 8, 9l behind Jetnova (11-8) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gs in Feb.
Basford Bob (IRE) 11-8fav (11-2) Raced keenly, held up in rear, headway on outside 4 out, challenged next, soon ridden, outpaced when switched left approaching 2 out, stayed on under pressure to chase leading pair flat, no impression, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Upthemsteps (11-8) at Warwick 2m 3f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (4) hvy in Feb.
Burnt Oak (UAE) 4-1fav (11-12) Held up in mid-division, headway under pressure 8th, 4th when mistake 2 out, one pace, 4th of 14, 21l behind Tricky Tree (10-13) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Feb.
Barbatos (FR) 4-1 (11-2) Took keen hold, with winner, led 3rd until 6th, weakened 2 out, 5th of 12, 17l behind Mic's Delight (11-8) at Leicester 2m 4f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (4) hvy in Feb.
