always towards rear, lost place 7th, soon tailed off
tracked leader, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened from next
always behind, lost place 7th, soon tailed off and fell 4 out
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, led 3 out, hit and headed last, one pace run-in
towards rear, jumped big 3 and 4, hit 6 and 7, ridden from 4 out, no impression
tracked leader, ridden approaching and blundered 4 out, gradually weakened
led, hit 6th, soon headed, driven to lead again 8th, ridden approaching 4 out, headed next, kept on gamely to lead again last, driven out run-in
tracked leaders, every chance 4 out, soon ridden, weakened from last
towards rear, blundered and unseated rider 6th
An interesting beginners' chase, where the ultra consistent Modicum bids to break his duck over the larger obstacles and should do so at the expense of Smart Street and First Fought. Following credible efforts behind the highly regarded pair Cedrus Libani and Hobbs Hill, Modicum's debut has been franked in no uncertain terms by Hobbs Hill and he appears an above average recruit to chasing this season. Victory here would likely see him take in graded novice chases as the season progresses. Hurdle ratings indicate that there should not be much to choose between Modicum and Smart Street. Keith Reveley's gelding made a promising chasing debut but recent performances indicate a significant improvement is needed to overcome the favourite. First Fought has a wealth of chasing experience to boot but it is surprising that connections persist in contesting beginners' chase rather than taking the handicap route. That said, experience is a huge asset in this type of contest and First Fought is likely to be fighting out for minor honours. Sharp Reply achieved a rating of 128 over the smaller obstacles following victory in quite a competitive Perth hanicap hurdle. The step back to two miles is not likely to favour Sharp Reply however, the booking of the in-form Graham Lee is significant on this, his chasing debut. It is hard to see past Modicum and he is taken to prove victorious for Rose Davidson and Nicky Richards.
Charles Street 22-1 (10-0) Chased leader, lost place after 4 out, soon beaten, 8th of 12, 38l behind Onefourfun (11-6) at Wetherby 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Dec.
First Fought (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Prominent, led 6th, headed after 3 out, every chance 2 out, no extra approaching last, 3rd of 6, 21l behind Crathorne (11-0) at Hexham 2m 4f nov chs (4) gf in Jun.
Geton (IRE) 12-1 (10-3) Always behind and pulled up 4 out in race won by Shares (10-8) at Musselburgh 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec, 6 ran.
King Daniel 5-2fav (10-9) In touch, mistake 3rd, headway to lead 11th, headed after 2 out, no extra, 4th of 12, 10l behind The Gleaner (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Dec.
Modicum (USA) 11-4 (10-11) Chased leaders, chased winner after last, kept on, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Cedrus Libani (11-2) at Carlisle 2m beg chs (4) gd in Nov.
Rothbury 9-2 (11-6) Held up in touch, every chance 3 out, mistake 2 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 8, 20l behind Dancer's Serenade (10-13) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Dec.
Sharp Reply (USA) 14-1 (11-3) In touch, close up when hit 3 out, weakened approaching next, 8th of 15, 19l behind Souffleur (10-6) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd in Nov.
Smart Street 15-2 (10-11) Chased leader, just lost 2nd when blundered 3 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 12, 28l behind Pedros Brief (10-11) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (4) gs in Dec.
Turbo Shandy 20-1 (11-5) Held up, ridden and headway after 3 out, weakened next, 7th of 14, 11l behind Smart Man (10-0) at Catterick 2m 3f amt hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf in Dec.
