led, ridden after 4 out, headed next, kept on same pace
always travelling well behind leaders, joined leader on bit 3 out, led next, very easily
chased leader, led 3 out, headed next, soon ridden, 2nd and held when stumbled badly last
chased leaders until 5th, soon tailed off
chased leaders until 5th, soon tailed off
A poor beginners' chase can go to Lewis Island over El Viejo, with Malaga Boy the only other to note. Lewis Island was twice a winner over hurdles for Nigel Twiston-Davies and has in the main been chasing without success since joining Gary Moore. He was even given a spin on the all-weather at Lingfield to sharpen him up three weeks ago, but looks a bit out of love with the whole game at present. A strong gallop will suit him but with just five runners here he may not get that. The fact that he is the selection shows just how bad this event is though, with only El Viejo likely to give him something to think about. He was only able to set a moderate pace when eventually beaten by Mr Boo on fast ground here in first-time blinkers a fortnight ago, a race in which Malaga Boy unseated Joe Tizzard at the second. The other two runners are not even worth a mention, and in a race that should carry a government health warning, Lewis Island is the pick of a bad bunch.
El Viejo (IRE) 3-1 (10-7) Raced keenly, set steady pace, still going well 3 out, headed last, no extra, 2nd of 4, 1 1/2l behind Mr Boo (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f beg chs (4) gf in Mar.
Lewis Island (IRE) 10-1 (11-5) Reluctant and dwelt start, behind, headway after 6th, every chance when pecked 2 out, soon ridden, kept on, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Amanpuri (10-11) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) hvy in Feb.
Malaga Boy (IRE) 2-1 (11-0) Held up until blundered and unseated rider at the 2nd in race won by Mr Boo (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f beg chs (4) gf in Mar, 4 ran.
Rutland (IRE) 33-1 (10-1) Chased leaders, weakening when blundered 9th, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by River Amora (10-11) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp chs 0-90 (5) gd in Mar, 11 ran.
Bob's Finesse 40-1 (10-2) In touch, pushed along 6th, 5th and 4 lengths down when fell at the 9th in race won by Sharp Jack (11-2) at Towcester 2m 6f beg chs (4) gd in Mar, 6 ran.
