always behind, eased when no chance approaching 2 out
held up, weakened after 6th, tailed off when pulled up approaching 2 out
chased clear leader until 5th, weakened rapidly, tailed off when pulled up apporaching 4 out
led and soon clear, weakened and headed after 3 out
chased leaders, went 2nd 5th, closed to lead after 3 out, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, no chance with winner
raced in 4th, tracked leading pair 5th, weakened after 3 out
in touch, weakened 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up, headway on outside to chase leaders 3 out, led approaching 2 out, clear apporaching, driven out
held up in rear, headway to chase clear leading pair well before 2 out, no impression
Gustavo could complete a quick-fire double for Venetia Williams and he gets the vote here, with New Team and Portland Bill the two to give him most to do. The selection was eased near the finish on both of his recent wins and should go well today despite a whopping 14lb raise in the weights. Apart from one blip, he has been rejuvenated this season and still looks to have more to offer. Portland Bill has been running well in Novice contests, however he faces a stiffer time back in a handicap today. Midas Way is very consistent and must have sound place claims, however the handicapper may just have the measure of him at present so he is opposed. New Team makes his handicap debut today and should be watched for signs of confidence in the market, whilst Mac Federal battled well to win last time out over hurdles but may struggle off a 10lb higher mark. This is competitive so we will return to Gustavo to win, but only to small stakes.
O'maley (FR) 5-1 (10-7) Soon tracking leaders, 3rd and beaten when blundered last, 3rd of 6, 11l behind Killaghy Castle (11-5) at Newbury 2m 1f beg chs (3) gs in Nov.
Brankley Boy 17-2 (10-0) Held up, headway approaching 4 out, weakened approaching next and pulled up 2 out in race won by Halcon Genelardais (10-2) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp hdl (2) gs in Nov, 17 ran.
Windsor Boy (IRE) 16-1 (9-12) In touch, blundered badly 2nd and nearly unseated rider, badly hampered next, not recover and pulled up at the 5th in race won by Billyvoddan (10-12) at Ascot 3m lst hcp chs (1) gs in Dec, 18 ran.
Midas Way 5-2fav (11-5) Held up, headway 7th, ridden and outpaced 3 out, stayed on again flat, 3rd of 9, 3l behind Cannon Fire (11-1) at Chepstow 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft.
Portland Bill (IRE) 4-1 (11-8) Prominent, chased winner 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 16, 19l behind Marcus (11-0) at Wincanton 2m 6f nh nov hdl (2) gs.
Salut Saint Cloud 17-2 (11-8) Tracked leaders, led after 3 out, headed next, ridden when hampered and fell in race won by Berengario (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Nov, 13 ran.
New Team (FR) 16-1 (11-11) Prominent behind leader, ridden when hit 2 out, weakened between last 2, 5th of 14, 31l behind Hobbs Hill (11-4) at Folkestone 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Mac Federal (IRE) 25-1 (10-6) In touch, headway 5th, ridden to lead after 2 out, challenged last, ran on, won at Hereford 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gf in Jun beating Traprain (10-12) by 1/2l, 15 ran.
Gustavo 5-4fav (11-1) In touch, headway after 7th, led approaching 2 out, clear last, eased flat, won at Taunton 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs beating Marronnier (9-8) by 8l, 8 ran.
Adventurist 14-1 (11-0) Held up, headway approaching 8th, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 7, 27l behind Isle de Maurice (10-1) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Jan.
