tracked leaders, weakening when hampered 4 out
prominent, weakened 11th, hampered 14th
in rear, lost touch 10th, pulled up after 13th
in touch, ridden and held when fell 4 out
mid-division, mistake 5th, beaten when unseated rider 12th
towards rear, one pace from 11th
mid-division, hit 3rd, closer order 12th, ridden to chase winner and mistake 3 out, no impression
in touch, headway 11th, narrow leader 12th, clear approaching 3 out, ridden out
mid-division, weakened 11th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
towards rear, headway 12th, ridden after 4 out, one pace
led, headed 12th, ridden and weakened 3 out
in rear and not jumped well, lost touch 9th, pulled up before 12th
Nonrunner
Moscow Whisper is selected over Red Devil Robert, Gola Supreme and Treasulier in this beginners' chase. It goes without saying that jumping is the key and it is hoped that Moscow Whisper has been schooled adequately enough to put a disappointing hurdling career behind him. Philip Hobbs' eight-year-old was a dual winner over hurdles two years ago, but has not progressed this term and so maybe the switch to the bigger obstacles will rekindle his enthusiasm. He was at least second to prolific winner Celtic Son at Newbury the time before last, and so the ability is there if Richard Johnson can unlock it. Red Devil Robert made his chase debut in Grade 2 company at Wincanton where he finished over 22 lengths behind Comply Or Die. The drop in grade gives him obvious claims as well, while Gola Supreme has ability but has a mind of his own. He does have that bit of experience as well though and if on a going day, may be involved. Treasulier has taken on decent company over fences, including when second to Sonevafushi at Warwick before Christmas. He is another that would not be a surprise winner, but we shall pin our hopes on Moscow Whisper.
Alfa Sunrise 40-1 Chased leaders until weakened 8th, tailed off, 5th of 8, 38l behind Liverpool Echo at Kempton 2m 4f beg chs (D) gs in Feb.
Ever An Optimist 50-1 unseated rider 4 out in race won by Bally Wirral at Barbury Castle 3m ptp gd in Mar '03, 6 ran.
Gola Supreme (IRE) 14-1 Held up, headway approaching 4 out, no impression from 3 out, 4th of 13, 11l behind Pewter Light at Hereford 3m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (E) sft in Feb.
Moscow Whisper (IRE) 3-1fav Held up in touch, headway 5th, reminders after 7th, weakened 4 out, 5th of 12, 28l behind Over The Creek at Newbury 3m hcp hdl 0-130 (C) gs in Feb.
Red Devil Robert (IRE) 8-1 Chased leader and ridden and lost touch 13th, one pace, 3rd of 7, 22l behind Comply Or Die at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs Grd 2 (A) gd in Nov.
The Real Boss (IRE) 50-1 Always behind and pulled up 4 out in race won by Sleep Bal at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (C) gs in Feb, 7 ran.
Treasulier (IRE) 11-1 Prominent, ridden 16th, weakened 17th, 3rd of 8, 30l behind Even More at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (D) sft in Feb.
