prominent and not fluent, ran in snatches, chased leaders until weakened 14th, never dangerous
with leader, led 4th to 3 out, soon beaten
led to 4th, 2nd when blundered 8th, blundered and lost position 13th, weakened when blundered next, pulled up before 15th
held up, ridden and weakened 13th, blundered 14th, pulled up before next
held up, headway 13th, left 2nd 14th, challenging when blundered 4 out, led next, soon clear, driven out
held up, poor 4th when mistake 17th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
A good test of stamina ideally suits Tipsy Mouse, who is fancied to bounce back to form today; possibly at the main expense of Prominent Profile, who should stay the trip but will find it hard to make all the running on this demanding surface. The unexposed Trust Fund can be a little excitable in the preliminaries and, with Andy Thornton engaged elsewhere, it is left to Tom Siddall to keep him under control before the off. He has tried to duck out at the start before so a late play is advised for anyone willing to forgive this former pointer a below par run last time. L'Orphelin ran as if the handicapper had his measure when he was very disappointing at Fontwell on New Year's day and now has a little to prove. He also likes to dominate his field and might just help to set things up for a strong finisher, which is where Tipsy Mouse is expected to be seen at his best. Admittedly, his latest start was not the ideal build up for a race of this nature however, Sue Smith has given the son of Roselier a sensible amount of time to get over it and a much better effort from him is anticipated in this company.
Prominent Profile (IRE) 12-1 Tracked leaders, ridden from 13th, weakened 18th, 10th of 12, well behind Boy's Hurrah at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-135 (C) gs in Jan.
Trust Fund (IRE) 11-1 Not fluent 1st, held up towards rear, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by King Harald at Newbury 3m hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs in Jan, 12 ran.
Philson Run (IRE) 8-1 Held up last, lost touch 14th and pulled up 4 out in race won by Walter's Destiny at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs in Dec, 9 ran.
Lucky Leader (IRE) 33-1 Behind from 6th, jumped badly left 10th and pulled up at the 11th in race won by Home James at Exeter 2m 7f hcp chs 0-120 (D) gs in Jan, 10 ran.
