Jack's Craic, Mark Equal and Amarula Ridge are on the short list. Jack's Craic has certainly covered many miles in the horsebox of late and while its clear that connections have wanted to put his performances out on the track rather than the gallops, he looks to have his ground this afternoon and is chanced over the minimum trip. Mark Equal is a difficult horse to catch right. He is capable if in the mood although we think he might just need conditions to be a little faster than those he encounters this afternoon. Amarula Ridge was tried against top notch juveniles over hurdles. He appears capable of handling any surface. Jurado Express had some solid form for Arthur Moore when trained in Ireland. Any efforts today will surely be built upon. Laurier D'Estruval is upped in grade. Jarro is on a long losing run. Jack's Craic is selected albeit at minimum stakes.
Jurado Express (IRE) 7-1 (11-9) Chased leader to 5th, remained handy, chased winner when jumped left 4 out and next, weakened flat, 3rd of 5, 6l behind Master Rex (11-9) at Windsor 2m hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs in Nov '04.
Jacks Craic (IRE) 11-4 (11-1) Held up, headway 8th, chased winner 9th, eased when beaten flat, 2nd of 10, 14l behind Tamarinbleu (11-1) at Ludlow 2m beg chs (4) gd.
Jarro (FR) 11-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders, led 5th until after 4 out, weakened after 3 out, 4th of 7, 23l behind Saintsaire (11-12) at Windsor 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs in Dec.
Key Phil (FR) 40-1 (11-12) Prominent, ridden approaching 4 out, left chasing winner next, no impression, 2nd of 16, 3 1/2l behind Rubberdubber (11-8) at Newbury 2m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs.
Mark Equal 5-1 (10-8) In touch, headway and led after 6th, ridden and headed approaching 4 out, one pace, 4th of 6, 16l behind Lorient Express (10-7) at Wincanton 2m hcp chs 0-130 (C) gd in Dec.
Executive Decision (IRE) 14-1 (10-1) Always behind, 9th of 12, 36l behind Dempsey (11-12) at Sandown 2m hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs.
Laurier d'Estruval (FR) 20-1 (11-2) Mid-division, hit 8th, well behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Rubberdubber (11-8) at Newbury 2m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs, 16 ran.
Amarula Ridge (IRE) 9-2 (11-4) Held up in touch, headway 3 out, soon one pace, 4th of 6, 10l behind Vigoureux (10-7) at Wetherby 2m nov hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft.
Call Me Jack (IRE) 4-1 (9-13) With leader, not fluent 3rd, ridden after 3 out, weakening when blundered 2 out and pulled up 2 out in race won by Magico (11-1) at Leicester 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Dec, 6 ran.
