soon settled in 3rd, weakened 3 out
led, ridden and headed before last, not pace of winner run-in
soon tracked leader, challenged going well 2 out, led before last, pushed clear run-in, readily
in touch, chased leading pair under pressure from 3 out, driven and no impression before 2 out
held up in touch, hit 9th, ridden and weakened after 3 out
held up, dropped to last and struggling 6th, mistake 8th, tailed off next, pulled up before 2 out
This is a very moderate contest and one in which Roznic can come good, with Before The Mast, Squeeze and Victory Roll all out to stop him. This novices' handicap chase is not the best of betting mediums, but Roznic showed a glimmer of ability before falling at Windsor on his latest outing and is taken to atone. That was his chase debut, and up until falling at the ninth when disputing second, it has to be said that he had done nothing wrong, and may well have even given the prolific Jolly Boy something to think about had he stayed upright. None of the opposition look anything to get worked up about, with Before The Mast perhaps the best of them. He makes a quick reappearance after finishing fourth to Polar Gunner over hurdles at Wetherby at the weekend, and now has his first try over fences. Rated inferior to the selection over timber, it is hard to see him having his measure here. Squeeze has a real job on off topweight, while Victory Roll is out to make up for lost time and is best watched. Adecco has been very disappointing since leaving Christian Von Der Recke, and all in all, Peter Winkworth has found what looks a perfect opportunity for Roznic.
Squeeze (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Held up, ridden 5 out, weakened next, last of 4, 35l behind In The Frame (11-0) at Fakenham 2m beg chs (E) gf in May.
Victory Roll 14-1 (11-5) Held up, reminder after 9th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Soeur Fontenail (11-11) at Newbury 2m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gs in Dec, 9 ran.
Roznic (FR) 14-1 (11-3) Held up, making good headway in 3rd when fell 4 out in race won by Jolly Boy (10-4) at Windsor 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gs in Dec, 8 ran.
Corrib Drift (USA) 33-1 (10-11) Held up, pulled hard, headway after 4th, weakened 6th, behind when pulled up at the last in race won by Brumous (11-0) at Folkestone 2m 6f mdn hdl (E) sft in Dec, 13 ran.
Before The Mast (IRE) 11-1 (10-13) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, chased winner approaching last, weakened run-in, 4th of 11, 18l behind Polar Gunner (10-9) at Wetherby 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy.
Rutland (IRE) 50-1 (9-11) Held at rear, hampered 2nd, lost touch from 4th pulled up 2 out in race won by Wages (11-2) at Towcester 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft, 13 ran.
Adecco (IRE) 17-2 (11-0) In touch, chased leaders 2 out, soon ridden and weakened, 6th of 18, 16l behind Gustavo (9-13) at Ludlow 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (E) gd in Dec.
