held up in rear, outpaced 6th, left a remote 2nd 4 out
pulled hard, close up, blundered 2nd, fell next
chased leading pair, took closer order approaching 5 out, disputing 2nd, close up and going well when mistake and fell 4 out
led, headed 6th, led again next, left well clear 4 out, unchallenged, very easy
with winner, led 6th, headed next, disputing 2nd and close up when hit 4 out and fell
A trappy race to call but the form of the Martin Todhunter stable attracts us to CALCULAITE, who we hope can defy top weight to beat Kosta Brava and The Kealshore Kid. Duke Of Malfi would have stronger claims if this were being run on softer ground, on which he has shown his best form, but this might be quicker than ideal for him so we will oppose the course and distance scorer. The Kealshore Kid got up to win by a neck at Sedgefield last time out when the ground was similar to today's, but a 7lb penalty will be tough to handle and the odds are against him following-up. Kosta Brava showed improvement to make the frame in a Catterick maiden chase last time and both trip and ground are to his liking here, so a big effort is anticipated, though we prefer Calculaite. Good or fast ground suits this nine-year-old, who went very close here last week and has been raised 2lbs for that effort. As mentioned previously, the yard is in flying form and as he is very likely to at least hold his form we will give him the nod.
Calculaite 20-1 (10-13) Led, ridden 2 out headed next, stayed on flat, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Fred Bojangals (10-13) at Ayr 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd.
Kosta Brava (FR) 12-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, took closer order 6th, led narrowly 3 out, headed towards finish, 2nd of 7, nk behind Farne Island (10-11) at Catterick 2m mdn chs (4) gd.
The Kealshore Kid (IRE) 5-2 (11-7) Held up in touch, headway 3 out, ridden to challenge next, stayed on strongly to lead last 50 yards, won at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd beating Lerida (10-12) by nk, 5 ran.
Duke of Malfi 7-2 (10-7) In touch, tracked leader 2nd, led before 7th, headed after 2 out, ridden and every chance last, drifted right and one pace flat, lost 2nd post, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Raysrock (11-12) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft.
Emotive 16-1 (11-9) Held up in touch, reminders after 8th, soon lost place, struggling 10th, 7th of 8, 26l behind Troodos Jet (10-7) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft.
