prominent, chased leaders over 3f out, one pace final 2f
tracked leaders, lost place well over 4f out
led 3f, remained prominent, under pressure and weakened over 4f out
held up, headway over 8f out, chased leaders over 4f out, never able to challenge
held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, soon ridden and no impression
chased leaders, lost place halfway
held up in touch, under pressure 6f out, weakened 2f out
mid-division, headway 6f out, weakened over 1f out
led after 3f, ridden and headed inside final furlong, rallied and kept on well
behind, headway over 5f out, chased leaders over 3f out, hard ridden to lead inside final furlong, stayed on well
mid-division, lost place 6f out
held up in touch, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
pulled hard towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, headway halfway, ridden and weakened well over 3f out
Volador was eye-catching in the finish last time and the form of Paul Nicholls gives his Aldertune every chance but we hold the preference for ZAZAMIX. Nicky Henderson's runner stayed on well to claim victory in what has turned out to be a pretty hot little bumper in January. That race has produced plenty of subsequent winners and the gelding will also have the advantage of Tony McCoy on board, who has a good record on this yards runners. Volador was the strongest finisher in his last effort and was clear in third place, however the form looks a little weak from both of his starts so far. Aldertune will have it all to do under a penalty after but was a comfortable winner after making virtually all last time. He stayed on well that day and the booking of Harry Skelton will offset the penalty slightly. John's Gift finished in front Volador last time and has every right to conform that form with further improvement expected while Timeshift carried over his point to point form to run a solid enough debut under rules last time. As always with these have a check of the market but Zazamix looks the strongest on form.
Aldertune (IRE) 2-1 (11-4) Made virtually all, hard pressed from over 2f out, stayed on to assert final furlong, driven out, won at Taunton 2m 1f mdn nhf (5) sft in Jan beating Silver Accord (11-1) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
Blazing Sun (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) Started slowly, in rear, steady headway 5f out, plugged on, 4th of 16, 14l behind King of Leon (11-4) at Ludlow 2m nhf (4) gs in Dec.
Brookfieldshector (IRE) 66-1 (10-11) Prominent, led after 2f, headed after 5f, remained handy until weakened 4f out, 8th of 15, 35l behind Giordano Bruno (11-4) at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Feb.
Coup Royale (FR) Balleroy gelding out of Coup De Rouge.
Daring Origyn (FR) 4-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders and keen, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 7, 7l behind Hayes Princess (10-11) at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in Feb.
Devoran Quay (IRE) 20-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, pushed along 9f out, went 2nd 7f out, led 3f out, headed 2f out, soon outpaced by front pair, 3rd of 9, 11l behind J'Adhere (10-9) at Folkestone 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Feb.
John's Gift 50-1 (10-9) Led after steady pace, green when went left and headed over 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Recif De Thaix (10-7) at Sandown 2m nhf (5) gs in Feb.
Quizwork (FR) 40-1 (11-4) Behind, ridden and headway 3f out, kept on final 2f, never nearer, 6th of 14, 17l behind Kealshore Lass (10-0) at Wetherby 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Timeshift (IRE) 11-2 (11-1) Led early, chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, one pace towards finish, 2nd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Jubilee Queen (10-8) at Bangor 2m 1f mdn nhf (5) gs in Feb.
Volador (IRE) 7-2 (11-2) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, went 3rd over 1f out, closed on leading pair inside final furlong, finished well, 3rd of 13, 2 1/2l behind Recif De Thaix (10-7) at Sandown 2m nhf (5) gs in Feb.
Be My Deputy (IRE) 28-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, lost place over 5f out, 8th of 15, 34l behind Lightening Rod (10-0) at Doncaster 2m nhf (5) gs in Feb.
Douryna 10-1 (11-2) In touch, weakened over 2f out, 4th of 9, 25l behind Gentle Caribou (11-2) at Towcester 2m mrs nhf (5) hvy in Feb.
Morning Haze 12-1 (10-4) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 7f out, 10th of 12, well behind Secret Stash (10-8) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) hvy in Feb.
Readytopounce 40-1 (10-4) In touch, lost place over 8f out, rallied 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 15, 19l behind Giordano Bruno (11-4) at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Feb.
Welsh Jaunt Laveron filly out of Arcachon.
Zazamix (FR) 7-2 (10-12) With leaders, definite advantage over 3f out, hard ridden final furlong, kept on well, won at Newbury 1m 4f 4yo nhf (6) sft in Jan beating Vino Griego (10-12) by 1l, 18 ran.
