tracked leaders, pushed along after 7th, went poor 3rd 3 out, no impression
tracked winner until approaching 7th, hit 4 out, chased winner approaching 3 out, not fluent last, no chance with winner
held up in rear, headway to track winner approaching 7th, in 2nd and every chance when slipped badly on landing 4 out, not recover
An interesting opener here and one that can be taken by Zoffany, with Bob The Piler, Carapuce and Moonlit Harbour others who can go well. The selection comes from the in-form yard of Martin Todhunter, and looks capable of winning his first chase here. Not disgraced in defeat behind Thisthatandtother at Bangor just over a year ago, he had only one further start last season before almost a year off the track. His comeback run at Kelso last month was pleasing, although he did fade badly on the run-in after having looked the winner. That should have put him spot on for this and he can score. Bob The Piler is a gelding with ability and he loves to get his toe in, having won only on soft or heavy ground in the past. Today's conditions will suit him, and he looks sure to have been well schooled for this chase debut, so a good run would be no surprise. Tony Dobbin rides Carapuce for Len Lungo and he is another chase debutante with a clear chance. A course winner over hurdles on heavy ground here in February, he will also relish conditions and with a clear round he will not be far away. Of the remainder, connections paid a fair sum for Moonlit Harbour and clearly think plenty of him, and he would have chances on his best hurdles form. However, he would ideally prefer better ground and may be best watched again here. But Zoffany is going the right way and may just about be good enough to take this competitive contest.
