in touch, mistake 4th, improved 7th, ridden and outpaced 2 out
in rear, outpaced 8th, behind when pulled up before 11th
led 2nd, soon clear, reduced lead 8th, quickly pulled up before next
tracked leaders, hit 4th, dropped to 4th at 9th, ridden and weakened 11th, pulled up 4 out
led, headed 2nd, tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner 9th, outpaced 2 out
close up, tracked leader 8th, left in lead next, clear 2 out, eased flat, comfortable
Azert De Coeur may have been a little unlucky when hampered and unseating his rider at Ludlow last time as he still appeared to going well. Altiepix probably comes into this race with the strongest form having been placed twice since arriving from Ireland but he gives the impression he’s on that doesn’t find much off the bridle. DR ROBIN may be a better bet given he’s found his form lately, winning at Sedgefield before chasing home a subsequent winner over an inadequate trip at Ffos Las. Howlongisafoot is thrown in on his best form but has become very disappointing and neither Wings Of Smoke nor Grandioso make much appeal at the weights.
Grandioso (IRE) 4-1 (12-4) Behind, headway 5 out, went poor 3rd from 2 out, weakened last, lost 3rd place run-in, 4th of 11, 24l behind Toby Lerone (12-4) at Hereford 2m 5f (5) hvy in Feb.
Wings Of Smoke (IRE) 11-1 (12-0) Always behind, struggling 5 out, never near leaders, 5th of 9, 33 1/2l behind The Fresh Prince (11-10) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (4) hvy in Jan.
Altiepix (FR) 3-1fav (10-10) Held up towards rear, headway 5 out, soon chased winner, one pace 3 out, ridden before next, never on terms, lost 2nd between last 2, 3rd of 13, 14l behind Pougne Bobbi (11-5) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Feb.
Dr Robin (IRE) 10-11fav (11-8) Tracked winner, driven after 5 out, lost place next, regained 2nd when came back into view last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 8l behind Rock On Rocky (11-5) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (4) sft in Feb.
Azert De Coeur (FR) 6-1 (11-13) Tracked leaders on inside, hit 17th, still well there when badly hampered and unseated rider next, at Ludlow 3m 2f hcp (4) gs in Jan.
Howlongisafoot (IRE) 10-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, just in touch 10th, struggling 17th, tailed off, 6th of 9, dist behind Willoughby Hedge (11-2) at Sandown 3m hcp (3) sft in Feb.
