always prominent, led 11th, ridden and headed last, no extra
in touch, ridden approaching 4 out, kept on same pace
led until 11th, stayed prominent, rallied approaching 3 out, hit 2 out, led last, stayed on well
chased leaders until weakened approaching 4 out, behind when pulled up before last
chased leaders, hit 12th, weakened after next
raced wide, held up, headway 9th, ridden approaching 4 out, stayed on to go 3rd approaching last
held up, headway 8th, ridden to chase leading pair approaching 4 out, weakening when hit 2 out and last
in touch, ridden and effort approaching 4 out, soon weakened, very tired when pulled up flat
blundered and unseated rider 1st
mistake 2nd, always behind, tailed off from 13th
Presentingthecase is the pick over Bally Blue, Nickit and Bill Haze, with Zesta Fiesta also worth a mention. Presentingthecase was a maiden under rules for Jonjo O'Neill, but since going pointing has really found his feet, and could not have been more impressive over three miles at Andoversford nine days ago, reeling off a third straight victory under today's pilot Sarah West. Taking it up three out, he never looked in danger of defeat, and if taking to the bigger obstacles, will once again take some stopping. Bally Blue was put in his place by Rimpton Boy at Badbury last time but is another progressive sort, while Nickit has the assistance of the vastly experienced Polly Gundry so should not be overlooked either. Bill Haze survived a blunder at the Foinavon fence to get round and finish sixth in the Aintree Foxhunter and had earlier rattled up a hat-trick in hunter-chase company, but Phil Dando's charge has plenty of weight as a consequence. Zesta Fiesta gained a narrow success between the flags last month but has much more to do here, and we much prefer the claims of the progressive Presentingthecase.
Bill Haze 20-1 (12-0) Led 3rd (Chair) to approaching 5th, blundered 11th (Foinavon), ridden 2 out, hit last, soon weakened, 6th of 30, 32l behind Katarino (12-0) at Aintree 2m 5f hts chs (2) gd.
Bally Blue 9-4 (11-0) Chsd ldrs; disp 2nd 8; stayed on frm 2 out; no ch w wnr, 2nd of 4, 8l behind Rimpton Boy (11-0) at Badbury Rings 3m ptp gf in Mar.
Beauchamp Oracle 25-1 (11-5) Mid-division, weakened after 6 out, 7th of 16, 50l behind Ramirez (11-5) at Newbury 3m hts chs (6) gd in Mar.
Golden Rivet 33-1 (11-7) Hampered and fell in race won by Red Brook Lad (12-0) at Ludlow 2m 4f hts chs (5) gd in Mar, 18 ran.
Presentingthecase (IRE) 1-3fav (12-5) won at Andoversford 3m ptp gd beating Macy (12-5) by 6l, 4 ran.
Shobrooke Mill 10-1 (11-0) unseated rider in race won by Bally Blue (11-0) at Badbury Rings 3m ptp gf in Feb, 12 ran.
Zesta Fiesta 17-2 (12-0) won at Buckfastleigh 3m ptp gd in Mar beating Sanderstead (12-0) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
O'ech 12-1 (11-7) 3rd of 8, 17l behind Jalons Star (12-5) at Cherrybrook 3m ptp gd.
