led, mistake and headed 2 out, kept on same pace
chased leaders, every chance 3 out, led 2 out, drew clear after last, ran on well
with leader, mistake 5 out, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
held up in rear, headway under pressure 2 out, never able to challenge
in touch, headway to track leaders 4 out, soon no impression
Nonrunner
Wilde Pastures is progressing well and bids for a hat-trick off a 9lb higher mark after his latest win at Wetherby with a subsequent winner back in third. He'll be difficult to beat but BOCCIANI may be good enough. Brian Ellison's charge was well beaten in testing ground in much better company at Warwick last time but had scored nicely at Musselburgh before that and this looks no tougher. Al Qeddaaf has ability but may be better for this first start since 2011 and Bene Lad makes more appeal as he beat previous winner Kealigolane over track and trip on his latest outing and has been raised only 4lb.
Bocciani (GER) 15-2 (10-1) In rear, blundered 10th, weakened after 2 out, 6th of 7, 17l behind Molotof (11-0) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs (2) hvy in Feb.
Wilde Pastures (IRE) 9-4fav (10-11) Always prominent, led before 2 out, clear from last, ran on well, won at Wetherby 2m hcp chs 0-120 (4) sft in Feb beating Jack The Gent (11-7) by 9l, 5 ran.
Al Qeddaaf (IRE) 13-2 (10-11) Held up, behind 6th, not fluent 8th, stayed on flat, almost got 3rd, no chance, 4th of 6, 22l behind West With The Wind (11-12) at Ffos Las 2m hcp chs (2) gf in Aug '11.
Predateur (FR) 10-1 (10-2) Held up in touch and keen, mistake 2nd, in 3rd when mistake and unseated rider 4 out, in a race won by Bene Lad (10-2) at Ayr 2m hcp chs 0-140 (3) sft in Feb, 5 ran.
Bene Lad (IRE) 10-1 (10-2) Tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd before 5 out, pressed leader from 4 out, led after last, kept on well, won at Ayr 2m hcp chs 0-140 (3) sft in Feb beating Kealigolane (11-9) by 2 3/4l, 5 ran.
Rossini's Dancer 7-1 (10-8) Led, headed before 10th, mistake 13th, soon weakened, 6th of 9, 32l behind Nuts N Bolts (11-2) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp chs 0-140 (3) hvy in Feb.