in touch, weakened from 4 out, beaten when hampered 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, went 2nd approaching last, kept on to lead towards finish
tracked leader, led 3rd, headed 3 out, in 3rd and outpaced when fell 2 out
tracked leaders, took closer order 6th, led narrowly 3 out, headed towards finish
led, blundered and headed 3 out, challenged 3 out, weakened last
always behind, soon detached
towards rear, chased leaders after 4 out, outpaced next, kept on to take 3rd towards finish
OTTO QUERCUS can strike for his in-form yard with Kosta Brava and Stuff Of Dreams representatives from powerful stables that could threaten. The selection has been off the track since running a close third on his chase debut at Taunton in November in a fairly moderate but tight contest. If anything, this race is weaker and the tight track should play to his strengths as he has looked a doubtful stayer in his time and he's worth another chance. Kosta Brava finished 22 lengths behind Quwetwo on debut which prompted connections to buy the winner so they must have felt that he had ability. He has yet to do a great deal on the track to suggest that that's the case but chasing may bring out the best in him. Stuff Of Dreams was well held at this track on her chase debut but the experience should stand her in good stead and it would be no surprise to see her in a better light with that run under her belt. Bardolet may improve for the switch of obstacles and Farne Island is by no means a back number but Otto Quercus gets the nod.
Bardolet (IRE) 5-1 (12-5) Midfield when fell 11, in a race won by Calapocus (12-5) at Duncombe Park 3m ptp in Feb, 16 ran.
Farne Island 13-2 (10-2) Mid-division, mistake 4th, headway and in touch 7th, went 2nd 4 out, upsides and every chance when fell next, in a race won by Carrietau (11-2) at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Jan, 9 ran.
Ice Image (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) With leader, led approaching 7th, headed approaching last, weakened flat, 7th of 17, 6l behind Amir Pasha (11-3) at Catterick 2m 3f am hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Dec.
Kosta Brava (FR) 16-1 (10-12) Led to 5th, soon lost place, 12th of 14, well behind Lightening Rod (10-9) at Wetherby 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Otto Quercus (FR) 5-2 (10-7) Tracked leader, led 5th, soon headed, led again approaching 6th, headed towards finish, no extra, 3rd of 4, 1 1/4l behind I'm A Legend (11-0) at Taunton 2m nov chs 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Night Reveller (IRE) 28-1 (10-0) Held up in rear, weakened from 7th, pulled up before 4 out, in a race won by Kinkeel (9-13) at Southwell 2m cnd hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in Feb, 9 ran.
Stuff Of Dreams 14-1 (10-0) Held up in rear, went remote 4th 4 out, never dangerous, 4th of 9, 24l behind Jim Tango (11-0) at Catterick 2m 3f mdn chs (5) gs in Dec.
