held up, headway on outer over 4 out, in 3rd when fell 2 out
chased leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, left 3rd 2 out, one pace
held up, went 2nd approaching 4 out, led next, clear approaching last
chased leader from 4th, weakened 9th
chased leaders, weakened 10th, pulled up before 5 out
led, ridden and headed 3 out, no chance with winner
with leader, weakened after 5 out
The form of First Look's debut run has been irrefutably franked (winner third in Royal SunAlliance since) and he gets the confident vote, with Duke Orsino the likeliest challenger. Peter Montieth's horses have been running well in recent weeks and assuming that his charge is fit after a four month break, he certainly looks the one to beat. A winner at the course before, he wasn't given a hard time when he wasn't going to win on his chasing debut and with conditions to suit today, he gets the confident vote. Lucinda Russell got off the 'cold list' last week and that should be a boost to the Perthshire trainer. She saddles Duke Orsino here is yet to score in fourteen attempts but should be thereabouts if running his race. Her other runner Hiddenfortune belied his massive odds to run a good race last time out and could run into a place if improving again. Joyful Jack didn't show much on his British debut but should appreciate the drop in trip so is no forlorn hope, however First Look looks much the best here, and he gets the confident nomination.
Bareme (FR) 50-1 (11-2) In touch until lost place 6th, soon well behind, 7th of 8, well behind Lankawi (11-3) at Hexham 2m nov chs (3) sft.
Duke Orsino (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Tracked leaders, mistake 6th, pushed along 8th, soon weakened, last of 4, 15l behind Ela Re (11-4) at Wetherby 2m beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
First Look (FR) 8-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, steady headway 9th, shaken up 3 out, outpaced next, 3rd of 9, 13l behind According To John (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy in Nov.
Hiddenfortune (IRE) 80-1 (10-0) Led to 4th, remained close up until weakened approaching 4 out, 5th of 11, 8l behind Marshall Hall (11-8) at Ayr 2m nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft.
Joyful Jack (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 6, well behind Baron Monty (11-3) at Ayr 3m 1f beg chs (4) hvy.
Lethem Air 18-1 (11-2) Chased winner until mistake 2nd, reminders after 3rd, weakened 7th, 3rd of 4, 29l behind Private Be (11-2) at Bangor 2m 1f beg chs (4) sft.
Uncle Neil (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) With leader, blnudered 4th, mistake 11th, soon lost place, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by King Killone (11-12) at Newcastle 3m nov chs (2) hvy in Feb '06, 5 ran.
