held up in touch, weakened 3 out
held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders 3 out, stayed on same pace after next
chased leaders, went 2nd after 3 out, kept on well, no chance with winner
held up in rear, under pressure 3 out, never on terms
led, not fluent 7th, headed 4 out, weakened next
tracked leader, mistakes 1st, 3rd and 4th, not fluent 7th, led 4 out, drew clear before last, ran on well
Some powerful yards are represented in this but Paul Nicholls’ Cash Again has been disappointing so far over hurdles and Oakidoaki has been struggling to make an impact in a lesser grade. The Mighty Don also probably has a bit to find but Ckalco Des Loges should go well, despite an odds-on defeat at Catterick in December. Nicky Henderson, who has won this twice in the last five years, runs two but Minella Rebellion has a bit to find with stablemate STOWAWAY MAGIC on the form book and Daryl Jacob’s mount is fancied to score for the third time in four starts, despite a hefty penalty.
Stowaway Magic (IRE) 2-5fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, clear before last, eased towards finish, won at Doncaster 2m 1f (4) gs in Jan beating American Gigolo (11-5) by 9l, 11 ran.
Cash Again (FR) 5-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, ridden and headway 2 out, stayed on to press for 3rd close home, 4th of 9, 9 1/4l behind Gayebury (11-0) at Ffos Las 2m 4f mdn (5) sft in Nov.
Ckalco Des Loges (FR) 10-11fav (10-12) With leader, led 3rd, ridden and headed last, no extra, 2nd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Master Of Irony (10-12) at Catterick 2m 3f (4) gs in Dec.
Minella Rebellion (IRE) 10-3 (11-5) Mid-division, headway before 3 out, soon pushed along, one pace, 5th of 11, 19l behind Seymour Star (11-5) at Ludlow 2m 5f mdn (4) sft in Jan.
Oakidoaki 9-1 (11-6) Raced wide, led and set steady pace, joined when hit 2 out, ridden and headed before the last, no chance with winner, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 8, 10 1/2l behind Benatar (11-6) at Fontwell 2m 3f mdn (5) sft in Jan.
The Mighty Don (IRE) 2-1fav (10-12) Mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden before 2 out, chased winner last, kept on and no impression, 2nd of 14, 6l behind Bastien (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f (4) gs in Dec.
