held up in touch, blundered 2nd, chased leaders in 3rd at 4th, weakened before 2 out
in rear, ridden and weakened before 2 out
held up in touch, went 3rd approaching and hit 2 out, quickly weakened
tracked leader, led 2 out, soon clear, driven out
held up towards rear, weakened before 2 out
tracked leaders, went 3rd approaching 2 out, kept on to chase winner after last, no impression
led, headed 2 out, one pace
TARATEENO is given the nod here despite top-weight, with Lord Crewe and Viking Blond considered the major players. Pat Murphy's gelding has been in great form over the winter, especially on testing ground. His last two runs have been in competitive handicaps but he should appreciate this slight drop in grade and is expected to run well. Lord Crewe had his win here last time advertised by the runner-up this week but he may be flattered slightly as he benefitted from a final flight mistake on that occasion. This progressive gelding is respected despite a 9lb higher mark today. Timetoring loves testing ground and is a player off his nice racing weight, Simply Wings has a good run behind Benartic to his name but is unproven on the ground, whilst Viking Blond is progressing well and has taken well to the application of the blinkers. Zarrafakt's fourth to Qaspal is strong and if he gets this test in the mud as he steps up in distance then he won't be far away, a comment that also applies to Picture This whose best runs have arguably come on quicker going. An exciting handicap for the course and the tentative vote is given to Tarateeno.
Tarateeno 7-1 (11-4) Led until 3rd, led 5th, headed 3 out, no chance with winner before next, not fluent last, held on for 2nd, 2nd of 13, 20l behind Quinz (10-10) at Kempton 3m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd.
Picture This (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, ridden to go in touch after 4 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 11, 27l behind Bob 'n' You (10-3) at Aintree 3m nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Oct.
Zarrafakt (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, hit 3 out, weakened before next, 4th of 12, 8l behind Qaspal (11-2) at Sandown 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) hvy in Feb.
Viking Blond (FR) 6-1 (10-13) Mid-division, headway 5th, chased leader before next, led on long run to last, headed and not fluent at hurdle, one pace, 2nd of 11, 4l behind Hopeful Start (11-5) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy in Feb.
Simply Wings (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, mistakes 5th, 7th and 8th, headway after 8th, stayed on under pressure flat to take 2nd, no impression on winner, 2nd of 16, 1 1/2l behind Benartic (11-4) at Ludlow 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Lord Crewe (IRE) 2-1fav (10-12) Held up in touch, challenged 2 out, led last, stayed on well, won at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd beating Deep Pockets (10-13) by 3 1/2l, 14 ran.
Timetoring 8-1 (10-8) Led, ridden and headed on long run to last, soon no extra, 3rd of 11, 11l behind Hopeful Start (11-5) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy in Feb.
