Tarrona hasn’t had much racing and was second twice at Hereford last season, once on heavy going. He will have needed his run at Cheltenham in November but doesn’t have much scope. CONINGSBY (NAP) split a couple of useful novices when second here on his debut under Rules. A winning pointer, he is sure to be suited by the longer distance and should go one better. Samburu Shujaa was placed on his hurdling debut at Taunton and will strip fitter here so should ensure the selection doesn’t have things all his own way while Dark Aster is also open to improvement after a fourth at Bangor.
Coningsby 10-1 (11-4) Keen, tracked leaders, 2nd after 2nd, led on long run before next, headed 4th, led narrowly again before 2 out until 2 out, lost 2nd before last, chased winner again last, held when switched right 100 yards out, 2nd of 10, 1 1/4l behind Run To Milan (11-4) at Exeter 2m 3f mdn (4) hvy in Jan.
Samburu Shujaa (FR) 8-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, lost place after 4th, rallied 2 out, stayed on, went 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 14, 3l behind Darcy Ward (11-4) at Taunton 2m 3f (4) sft in Jan.
Tarrona 50-1 (11-7) Never better than mid-division, weakened after 4 out, tailed off, 16th of 19, dist behind Melrose Boy (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Dark Aster 22-1 (10-12) Held up in mid-division, slightly hampered 1st, 6th and no impression 3 out, stayed on from 2 out, went 4th towards finish, no chance with front pair, 4th of 13, 26 3/4l behind Fin And Game (11-12) at Bangor 2m 1f (4) hvy in Jan.
