TEA TIME FRED would probably have won last time at Fontwell had he not blundered and unseated Lucy Gardener. He’s been raised 5lb but is still only a pound higher than when last successful and, as long as his confidence hasn’t taken a backward step, compensation could be forthcoming. Billy Hicks just lost out in a blanket finish at Towcester last month and races off the same mark while Great Tempo did a lot better over course and distance recently and has to come into the reckoning. Take A Break has been in decent form on northern tracks lately but still looks a few pounds too high while the trip is a concern for Garde Forestier. Holdbacktheriver didn’t reproduce his Sandown run next time at Ffos Las.
Robinroyale (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, went 2nd before 3 out, every chance 2 out, ridden before last, kept on and lost 2nd place towards finish, 3rd of 15, 10l behind Beer Goggles (11-12) at Ayr 3m hcp (3) gs in Apr.
No No Mac (IRE) 25-1 (11-12) Always towards rear, 10th of 14, dist behind Virginia Chick (11-6) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Mar.
Take A Break (FR) 6-4fav (11-6) Tracked leader until 3 out, led again after 2 out, headed last, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 4, 1 3/4l behind Eastview Boy (11-3) at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Mar.
Garde Forestier (FR) 11-2 (11-9) Mid-division, closed after 3 out, ridden and stayed on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 10, 13 1/2l behind Birch Hill (11-12) at Huntingdon 2m hcp (4) sft in Feb.
Billy Hicks 9-4fav (11-6) Prominent, went 2nd before 2 out, led last, headed run-in, no etra, 4th of 9, 1/4l behind Gregarious (11-10) at Towcester 2m hcp (4) hvy in Mar.
Holdbacktheriver (IRE) 10-3fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened before last, 6th of 8, 29l behind Fly Du Charmil (11-8) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (4) hvy in Feb.
Tea Time Fred 7-1 (10-12) With leader, led 2 out, narrow lead when unseated rider last, at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (4) hvy in Mar.
Flo'sboy Sam 33-1 (11-0) Refused to race, at Taunton 2m 3f hcp (4) hvy in Mar.
Tudors Treasure 12-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, ridden before 3 out, weakened next, 5th of 10, 20l behind Darius Des Bois (11-12) at Newbury 3m hcp (4) sft in Mar.
Great Tempo (FR) 10-1 (10-11) Prominent, not fluent 1st, not fluent 5th, soon ridden, every chance 3 out, led before 2 out, headed approaching last, stayed on same pace flat, 3rd of 14, 3 1/2l behind Virginia Chick (11-6) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Mar.
