behind, jumped slowly throughout, always detached, soon pulled up
soon in touch, chased leaders 4 out, slow next, gradually weakened
with leader, led 11th, headed after 4 out, effort 2 out, rallied after last, just held
led until 8th, pushed along next, weakened before 11th, pulled up
held up in rear, headway when mistake 10th, chased leaders 3 out, never able to challenge
tracked leaders, led 8th, headed 11th, led again after 4 out, ridden after next, stayed on under pressure
Only eight pounds separates the field here and it is FIT TO DRIVE who can prosper ahead of Supreme Duke. Brendan Powell's consistent mare has had a fantastic 12 months, winning three times and finishing second in three others. She has a 6lb rise for her recent Worcester success and is hard to oppose as she continues to progress. Supreme Duke has also taken well to fences, with a win at Ludlow last February sandwiched either side by good runs at this track. Charlies Future hasn't been seen for 331 days but the course winner cannot be discounted as he drops in grade, Le Burf should come on for a recent Sandown run, whilst Oracle Des Mottes has become a frustrating horse to follow and he looks badly handicapped anyway. Of more interest then is Heathcote who completes the line-up. Gary Moore's gelding has gone well fresh in the past and he is adaptable with regards to the ground. Not much between them, however preference is for Fit To Drive.
Heathcote 12-1 (10-4) Held up, headway 8th, led after 4 out, ridden 3 out, all out, headed flat, 3rd of 12, 3 1/2l behind Mr Boo (10-0) at Lingfield 2m 4f hcp chs (2) gd in Mar.
Oracle des Mottes (FR) 2-1 (11-8) Held up, headway 9th, weakened 2 out, 4th of 6, 11l behind Or Jaune (11-8) at Exeter 2m 3f nov stks (3) gd in Mar.
Le Burf (FR) 14-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, hit 8th, not fluent 11th, weakened approaching 2 out, 7th of 11, 17l behind Nudge And Nurdle (10-8) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd.
Charlies Future 33-1 (11-5) Close 5th when blundered and unseated rider 2nd, in a race won by Fleet Street (11-10) at Kempton 3m hcp chs 0-140 (2) gd in Dec, 12 ran.
Supreme Duke (IRE) 9-4fav (11-7) Held up, headway 11th, challenged from 13th, upsides 4 out to 2 out, stayed on flat, 3rd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Fier Normand (11-7) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Apr.
Fit To Drive 17-2 (10-10) Mid-division, headway 7th, went 2nd 4 out, challenged 2 out, soon led, driven out, won at Worcester 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Sep beating Enlightenment (11-9) by 1 1/4l, 13 ran.
