always in rear, ridden 10th, behind from next
mid to rear, mistake 6th, ridden and outpaced 10th, stayed on moderately from 3 out
held up in rear, headway approaching 11th, hit 4 out, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, no impression
led, headed 5th, ridden 11th, weakened 3 out
tracked leader, led 5th, not fluent 7th, ridden approaching 3 out, headed soon after, soon held
held up towards rear, ridden when mistake 11th, headway next, weakened 2 out
tracked leaders throughout, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden 11th, weakened 3 out
held up mid-division, blundered 7th, driven for headway 11th, ridden to chase leader 3 out, led approaching 2 out, ridden out
in rear and bad mistake 1st, behind when pulled up before 7th
A very good line-up for the race named in memory of the late, former jump jockey Paul Croucher, who tragically lost his life in a car accident. In it, our vote goes to Enzo de Baune ahead of Abalvino and Montpelier. The selection created a very favourable impression when scoring at Musselburgh last time and could be ahead of the handicapper. We'll find out today but, despite being raised nine pounds for that effort, we think he will go well again. There is no doubt that Abalvino is well-weighted on the best of his form and, to be fair, he has more of a right to be competitive here than he has done in a number of his more-recent races. Montpelier represents the powerful local yard of Nicky Henderson. He won from a mark of 113 three years ago and, now rated 110, can be given a chance on that basis. If all goes well for him, he can be given a chance. Turning to the others. Cobbet won three times between April and June of last year and is now a pound lower in the ratings for the second of those successes. The possible down side is that he has not run for 231 days, although he has gone well fresh in the past. Monte Cristo is now six-pounds higher than for his best win and Leaburn, who has scored here in the past, is four-pounds higher than for his Wincanton win two runs ago, although he could get amongst the money. Selberry remains consistent and is only three-pounds higher in the ratings than for his most-recent win. Imaginaire is struggling to get his head in front from his current mark while Executive Decision is well-weighted on the best of his form - but we said similar thing before his Sandown third last time. In the final analysis, though, we are happy to side with Enzo de Baune.
