tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, led 6th, blundered last, drew clear over 2f out
led to 6th, blundered 8th, hit 3 out, one pace straight
WEST END ROCKER can open his account over fences leaving Nom De Guerre to take second from Annie's Answer. West End Rocker has a number of engagements for the Cheltenham Festival and should enjoy a racecourse gallop and can pick up some prize money (and a penalty) for his connections in the process. The handicapper has him on a 9lb higher mark than Nom De Guerre but we have yet to see the best of him and he can banish the memory of a modest run at Southwell. Nom De Guerre is no mug but he lacks the same potential as the selection and will need him to run below par in order to score. He's run well on each of his last two starts over fences and will be winning before long. Annie's Answer was a disappointment on her chase bow but she may have needed the run and could fare better here. It's stretching the imagination to think that she can take this prize if the others jump round but she can pick up a nice prize for finishing third to West End Rocker.
Nom de Guerre (IRE) 2-1fav (10-11) Prominent, led 3 out, rider dropped whip on landing 2 out, narrow advantage when blundered and unseated rider at the last in race won by Dream Garden (11-3) at Leicester 2m 7f nov chs (3) gs in Dec, 8 ran.
West End Rocker (IRE) 2-1 (10-12) Chased leader, reminders approaching 11th, chased clear winner approaching 3 out, no impression, 2nd of 6, 18l behind Best Actor (10-12) at Southwell 3m nov chs (3) gs.
Annie's Answer (IRE) 5-6fav (11-0) Prominent, chased leader 3rd to 5th, remained handy, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, went moderate 2nd last, 2nd of 6, 16l behind Ceoperk (11-0) at Hereford 2m mrs beg chs (4) sft in Jan.
Spume (IRE) 40-1 (11-2) Held up, headway to chase leaders after 3 out, weakened from next, 5th of 7, well behind Aachen (11-8) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nov hdl (3) sft.
