chased leader, ridden after 3 out, weakening when mistake 2 out
keen in rear, ridden after 5th, kept on same pace and past beaten horses from 2 out
chased leading pair, ridden to challenge approaching 2 out, soon one pace
in touch, ridden after 5th, weakened after 3 out, tailed off
held up, steady progress from 5th, challenged 2 out, led last, kept on, ridden out
in touch, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened
keen early, always towards rear
raced freely, led, headed last, kept on gamely
lost touch 4th, tailed off
mid-division, mistake 3 out, headway before next, ridden approaching last, kept on same pace
We'll give Schiehallion the chance to redeem himself but he could face serious opposition from Hell's Bay and Isn't That Lucky. The selection is well regarded and was heavily supported on his hurdling bow at Newbury but never really looked like landing the money. He did run well for a long way though and may have needed the outing; he's clearly shown plenty at home and should leave that form behind. Hell's Bay ran better than his finishing position suggests at Newbury, he had previously finished close up behind the useful County Zen at Ascot which is just about the best form on offer. Isn't That Lucky showed useful form in bumpers but pulled too hard on his hurdling bow at Chepstow. That experience won't have been lost on him and he should take closer order if settling better. Space Mission has no easy task under his penalty but ran on well to score at Huntingdon, Fix The Rib is one to monitor for market support as he definitely has ability and Supreme Duke is well worth a second look. An interesting heat then which may go to Schiehallion.
Space Mission (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) In touch, led approaching 5th, strongly pressed from 2 out, stayed on well under pressure, won at Huntingdon 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan beating I Have Dreamed (11-11) by a hd, 13 ran.
Fix The Rib (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Led until ridden and headed 3 out, mistake 2 out, on pace, 4th of 12, 15l behind Theatre Dance (11-4) at Fontwell 2m 2f nh nov hdl (4) sft.
Hell's Bay (FR) 4-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway after 5th, ridden and every chance after 3 out, one pace from next, 4th of 18, 29l behind Khyber Kim (11-0) at Newbury 2m hdl (2) sft in Dec.
Hillridge 33-1 (11-6) Mid-division, headway after 3 out, soon weakened, 14th of 16, well behind Pettifour (11-6) at Hereford 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Isn't That Lucky 9-2 (11-3) Keen, headway when mistake 4 out, kept on one pace, 4th of 14, 30l behind Super Formen (10-7) at Chepstow 2m nov hdl (4) hvy.
Musical Chairs (IRE) 40-1 (11-5) Held up, mid-division until weakened after 6th, 4th of 7, well behind Working Title (11-5) at Fakenham 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Patton (FR) 6-1 (10-9) In rear, pushed along over 5f out, headway over 4f out, beaten over 2f out, 7th of 11, 11l behind Blistering (10-12) at Warwick 2m nhf (6) hvy in Jan.
Regal Quote (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, reminders between last 2, weakened and eased last, tailed off, 8th of 10, well behind Sovereign King (10-12) at Folkestone 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Schiehallion (IRE) 2-1fav (11-4) Tracked leaders, effort 3 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 13, 22l behind Crescent Island (11-4) at Newbury 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Standandbecounted 16-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, raced keenly, weakened approaching 9th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Rebel Melody (10-12) at Huntingdon 3m 2f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Dec, 12 ran.
Supreme Duke (IRE) 11-2 (10-12) Held up mid-division, mistake 7th, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened before 2 out, 8th of 16, 41l behind Lodge Lane (10-7) at Fontwell 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.
