held up in 4th, close up 3 out, soon outpaced, weakened into 4th 2 out
led, not fluent and headed 7th, soon dropped out, well beaten 3 out
held up in rear, headway 7th, outpaced before 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, close up 7th, mistake 3 out, lost momentum and struggling in 4th after, went 3rd 2 out, no impression on front pair
tracked leader, challenged 4th, led 7th, clear from 2 out, stayed on well
held up in rear, headway 6th, went 2nd 3 out, ridden and held from 2 out, stayed on
This is classed as a Cheltenham trial but past winners have tended to thrive over fences later in their careers. Western Ryder started favourite for the Grade 1 Tolworth at Sandown last month but was beaten turning for home. That run was too bad to be true but he’s stepping up in trip for the first time here. Equus Secretus was far too keen in a Grade 2 last time at Cheltenham and is better than that while Dell Oro came up against a smart novice at Newbury but others are preferred. Vinndication made it three from three under Rules when giving weight away at Ascot but THECLOCKISTICKING’s third in a Grade 2 at Ascot looks the best form on offer and there is no reason why he won’t confirm that form with Mr One More.
Dell Oro (FR) 3-1 (11-5) Led briefly, tracked winner throughout, ridden before 2 out, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 6, 20l behind First Flow (11-5) at Newbury 2m (4) hvy in Dec.
Equus Secretus (IRE) 9-4 (10-12) Took keen hold, tracked leader after 1st until after 3 out, soon beaten, weakened before next, 3rd of 4, dist behind Kilbricken Storm (10-12) at Cheltenham 3m (1) sft in Dec.
Mr One More (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Held up last, headway chasing leaders after 3 out, weakening when mistake next, last of 6, 10 3/4l behind Claimantakinforgan (11-0) at Ascot 2m (1) sft in Dec.
Theclockisticking (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Held up tracking leaders on inside, pushed along after 3 out, 3rd and one pace from next, 3rd of 6, 4 1/4l behind Claimantakinforgan (11-0) at Ascot 2m (1) sft in Dec.
Vinndication (IRE) 2-1cfav (11-8) Raced wide, tracked leaders, led after 3 out, not fluent and narrowly headed 2 out, rallied and upsides last, driven and stayed on gamely to regain lead final 100 yards, won at Ascot 2m 6f (3) sft in Jan beating Champ (11-2) by nk, 6 ran.
Western Ryder (IRE) 7-4fav (11-7) Held up in last pair, good headway on inside tracking leader 5th until 3 out, chased leaders, ridden and weakened before 2 out, 4th of 5, 31l behind Summerville Boy (11-7) at Sandown 2m (1) hvy in Jan.
