tracked front pair on outside, went 2nd after 3 out, challenged next, soon led, hard pressed last, ridden flat, edged left and kept on towards finish
held up in rear, struggling approaching 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before next
held up in 4th on outside, smooth headway to track front pair after 3 out, switched inside to challenge between last 2, every chance last, ridden and one pace flat, no extra when switched right towards finish
led, driven and headed after 2 out, kept on same pace, no chance with front pair from last
close up in 2nd on inside, lost place after 3 out, soon ridden, no chance with front trio before next, tailed off
ALCALA appears to be facing a straightforward task in this opener, despite a penalty. He competed in Grade 2 and Grade 3 company after winning his maiden at Worcester in October and wasn't beaten far in a decent handicap at Wincanton on Boxing Day – his stamina should be an asset with plenty of rain around. The Fresh Prince has hinted at ability in a couple of runs over timber and is preferred to Wabanaki, a little disappointing so far, for forecast purposes.
Alcala (FR) 9-4fav (10-5) In touch, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace, 6th of 10, 5 1/4l behind If In Doubt (11-6) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (2) sft in Dec.
Rob Robin (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) Held up behind in touch, headway after 5th, driven and outpaced after 3 out, 6th and beaten when mistake next, soon weakened, 8th of 9, dist behind Poulanassy (11-5) at Catterick 2m 3f (4) sft in Dec.
The Fresh Prince (IRE) 9-1 (11-4) In touch, effort after 3 out, never on terms, 4th of 13, 26l behind Gala Ball (11-4) at Wincanton 1m 7f (4) sft in Jan.
Wabanaki (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Keen early, tracking leaders, weakened 3 out, 5th of 10, 29 1/4l behind Bigmartre (11-5) at Haydock 2m (4) hvy in Dec.
Meyrem Ana 100-1 (11-0) Led until after 6th, hampered 4 out, weakened quickly after next, 5th of 7, dist behind Savingforvegas (11-0) at Warwick 2m 5f (4) sft in Jan.
