tracked leader, led 6 out, ridden and headed run-in, no extra
led to 6 out, weakened from 3 out
tracked leaders in 3rd, jumped slow 3rd, went 2nd before 2 out, weakened run-in
in rear, went 3rd at 3rd, mistake 4 out, outpaced after 2 out, kept on to lead run-in
This looks tricky though Whiskey Chaser has a tough task on his reappearance now 12lb higher than for his win at Carlisle in March. Roxyfet never figured at Catterick during the week and remains penalised for an earlier win over 2m here while though Verko won at Hexham last month he has something to prove in testing ground. TOTAL ASSETS has won in heavy going over hurdles and made a promising start over fences with a third to Hughesie over course and distance recently - she gets the nod to come out best today.
Total Assets 22-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, led 4 out, headed before last, no extra run-in, 3rd of 7, 3 1/4l behind Hughesie (11-8) at Sedgefield 2m 3f hcp (4) gs in Nov.
Whiskey Chaser (IRE) 5-2fav (11-8) Chased leaders, ridden before 4 out, kept on under pressure from 2 out, never a threat, 3rd of 11, 15 1/2l behind Resolute Reformer (10-10) at Carlisle 2m 5f hcp (4) gs in Apr.
Roxyfet (FR) 9-1 (10-13) Mid-division, headway before 2 out, one pace and no impression, 4th of 11, 11 1/4l behind Aregra (10-3) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp (5) gs in Dec.
Verko (FR) 9-2fav (10-11) In rear, headway before 3 out, went 3rd from 2 out, chased leader before last, led run-in, kept on, won at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (5) gs in Nov beating Trouble In Paris (10-0) by 2 1/4l, 8 ran.
