led before 2nd, headed 6 out, ridden before last, kept on run-in to chase winner, always well held
in rear, mistake 3 out, soon weakened
towards rear, ridden before 2 out, led before last, kept on strongly
tracked leaders, went 2nd after 3rd, led 6 out, headed before last, kept on same pace
led and keen, headed before and mistake 2nd, weakened after 2 out, pulled up before last
Lake Field has thrived for the switch to fences and has won his last two. But the handicapper has bumped him up 12lb since his victory at Catterick and he’ll need to improve again to get the better of course specialist UBALTIQUE (NAP). Donald McCain’s 10-year-old is a little quirky but is three from five around here and still 2lb lower than when he won this by three lengths on similar ground 12 months ago. Halcyon Days won six times last season though is still paying the price but Tornado In Milan is slipping down the weights, though isn’t getting any younger. Azzuri may have needed last week’s run at Warwick but has no form on the ground.
Tornado In Milan (IRE) 12-1 (11-13) Held up towards rear, pushed along and outpaced after 4 out, plugged on and went 3rd from last, never dangerous, 3rd of 6, 26l behind Potters Story (10-13) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Azzuri 9-2 (11-8) Held up, took keen hold, closed before 6th, shaken up 8th, no impression, well beaten after 3 out, last of 6, 34 1/2l behind Big Jim (10-13) at Warwick 2m hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Ubaltique (FR) 4-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, headway 8th, hit 4 out and ridden, rallied 2 out, challenged last, soon led, clear final 100 yards, won at Haydock 2m hcp (3) hvy in Dec beating Uno Valoroso (10-1) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran.
Lake Field (IRE) 4-9fav (10-6) Tracking leader when left in clear lead 7th, shaken up 2 out, heavily eased run-in, won at Catterick 2m hcp (4) gs in Dec beating Manwell (10-8) by 6l, 4 ran.
Halcyon Days 6-1 (11-12) Led from 2nd, headed 4th, ridden and headed last, weakened last 100 yards, 4th of 9, 8l behind Bollin Line (10-5) at Catterick 2m hcp (4) gs in Dec.
