led to 3rd, chased winner, no chance 9th
always behind and mistakes, tailed off from 9th
in touch, went distant 3rd approaching 6th, never dangerous
led from 3rd, made rest, clear from 8th, blundered last, easily
tracked clear pair until struggling from 6th, tailed off, pulled up before 2 out
The opener should essentially be a walk over for Phillip Hobbs' OSCATELLO with his closest rivals Irish Guard and Irish Power failing to complete a race in the last three and two starts respectably. Not only is the selection the only runner in the field to have completed a race recently he is on decent form. Competitive at a much higher level than this in the past the gelding followed a much needed blow out after nearly two years off from the race course with a decent run to claim a runners up spot in testing ground at Taunton last time. The form looks solid from that contest and it¿s a case of as long as he gets round he scores. Irish Guard would have a chance on old form but has failed to complete a race in three starts being pulled up each time. It would appear connections are hoping this debut over fences will help but given what we know it's hard to find anything to recommend him. The same could be said for Irish Power who has done nothing in three career starts and was pulled up on his debut over fences last time. Johnny Harris and Stunning Magic can also be placed in the 'shown nothing club' so it would be a major shock if Oscatello doesn't win.
Irish Guard 50-1 (11-1) Led until 8th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Bally Conn (11-6) at Taunton 3m cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Jan, 14 ran.
Irish Power (IRE) 200-1 (10-11) Prominent, hampered 1st, ridden after 6th, soon lost place, tailed off and pulled up at the 11th in race won by Mister Potter (11-0) at Towcester 2m 6f beg chs (4) hvy in Jan, 9 ran.
Johnny Harris (IRE) 200-1 (10-7) Towards rear when fell at the 3rd in race won by Hopkins (11-0) at Doncaster 3m beg chs (4) gs in Feb, 12 ran.
Oscatello (USA) 6-1 (11-0) Towards rear, headway after 10th, chased leader 4 out, led 3 out, headed 2 out, rallied last, no extra flat, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Fair Point (11-0) at Taunton 2m 7f beg chs (4) hvy in Feb.
Stunning Magic 200-1 (10-12) Mid-division, mistake 3rd, behind when pulled up 5 out in race won by Swordsman (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov hdl (3) gd in Nov '07, 14 ran.
