made all, wandered slightly into 3rd, drew clear from last (normal 2 out), easily
raced keenly, prominent, went 2nd from 3rd until before last (normal 2 out), went 2nd again close home, no chance with winner
held up, headway when dived at 4th, went 2nd before jumping left last (normal 2 out), no chance with winner flat, lost 2nd close home
held up, pushed along 3rd, closed next, weakened before last (normal 2 out)
prominent, not fluent 1st, lost 2nd 3rd, struggling from next, mistake and weakened 2 out (normal 3 out)
GRAND ROI made a winning start over hurdles at Fakenham with the minimum of fuss. This looks a bit tougher with three other previous winners in the line-up but it will be a surprise if the well-regarded Henderson novice is beaten. Scorched Earth was a fair fourth at Newbury after winning at Catterick and may edge the free-going Manucci for second spot. Catch The Cuban has been well beaten twice since landing a Kempton conditionals’ handicap.
Grand Roi (FR) 1-3fav (10-7) Made virtually all, not fluent 3rd, clear last, ran on well, won at Fakenham 2m mdn (3) gs in Jan beating Touchthesoul (11-4) by 7l, 8 ran.
Manucci (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Took keen hold, prominent, led 4th to 5th, pushed along and beaten before 2 out, lost 2nd last, 3rd of 5, 18l behind Goshen (11-8) at Ascot 2m (3) hvy in Jan.
Scorched Earth (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Mid-division, pushed along and headway on inside before 3 out, chased leaders before next, 4th and one pace run-in, 4th of 17, 6 1/2l behind Mister Coffey (11-5) at Newbury 2m (4) sft in Dec.
Catch The Cuban 14-1 (9-4) Chased leader, led after 3f, ridden 2f out, headed just over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 11, 8 1/2l behind Amanto (9-9) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp (6) pol in Feb.
Go On Brycey Lad (FR) Saddler Maker gelding out of Lonita D'airy.
