chased leaders, ridden and lost place after 4th, some headway 4 out, soon weakened
chased leaders, led 6th, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on well
towards rear, blundered 2nd, pushed along after 4th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
held up, badly hampered and unseated rider 5th
led to 6th, hit 8th, weakened approaching 3 out
mid-division, weakened approaching 3 out, pulled up after last
close up, 2 lengths down in 2nd when blundered 2 out, beaten when hit last
mid-division, weakened approaching 4 out, pulled up before next
chased leaders until 7th
held up, fell 5th
chased leaders, ridden and outpaced from 4 out
always behind, soon struggling
The shortlist contains East Tycoon, Flake and Turgeonev and we make a speculative pick with Turgeonev. There is no doubt that his recent record is disappointing but the handicapper is at least giving him a chance with another 3lb drop since his recent run and if he can put it together in a true run race, there might just be a chance that the clock can be turned and an unfortunate record banished. East Tycoon rarely wins but with Tony McCoy aboard and eye-shields on, there couldn't be any more encouragement from beyond the horse's brain. Flake has capitalised off low BHB marks in the past to oblige over hurdles and fences. This is a tougher assignment but he is sure to run his race. Vista Verde makes a return to the racecourse after a substantial absence. The market is examined for clues. Mambo Des Mottes has become disappointing and has been given no rest by the assessor. Killmackilloge steps up in grade following a recent success at Catterick. A number of disappointing types meet in form rivals and we believe that the class act of Turgeonev can be capable of obliging.
East Tycoon (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway approaching 6th, weakened next, last of 8, 38l behind Misty Dancer (11-5) at Warwick 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec.
Turgeonev (FR) 25-1 (10-0) In touch, went 2nd 7th, led 10th, ridden and headed 2 out, soon beaten, 5th of 12, 14l behind Misty Dancer (9-13) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs (2) gd in Mar.
Mambo des Mottes (FR) 5-1 (11-10) Mid-division, headway 6th, ridden to lead after 4 out, headed and mistake 2 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 13, 13l behind He's The Gaffer (10-11) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Mar.
Flake 9-2 (11-1) Led 1st, made rest, ridden 2 out, stayed on well, won at Newcastle 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy in Mar beating Culcabock (11-9) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
Colliers Court 40-1 (10-9) Led until headed 6th, faded, 7th of 9, well behind Mendo (11-0) at Ascot 2m nh nov hdl (3) gd in Mar.
Espoir Du Bocage (FR) 33-1 (11-8) In touch, headway 4 out, led 3 out, strongly pressed 2 out, headed approaching last, rallied run-in but no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 4l behind Roznic (11-3) at Kempton 2m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Mar.
Glengarra (IRE) 14-1 (11-2) Led until 6th, led again 8th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, kept on flat, no extra close home, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Allumee (11-6) at Newbury 2m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Mar.
Kilmackilloge 10-3 (11-10) Led, soon clear, headed after 4 out, led again after next until hit 2 out, left 3rd last when weakening, 4th of 7, 26l behind Welcome To Unos (11-3) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Jan.
Billyandi (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Prominent, led 11th, headed and blundered 13th and weakened, 9th of 11, well behind Ma Furie (11-11) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Mar.
Vista Verde 7-1 (11-0) Prominent, led 3rd to 5th, led again 8th to 3 out, led again approaching 2 out, ridden out, won at Leicester 2m nov chs (D) gd in Nov '04 beating Raw Silk (11-0) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Or Apple's (FR) 16-1 (11-9) Towards rear, headway 13th, ridden next, weakened 3 out, 5th of 11, 24l behind Ma Furie (11-11) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Mar.
Glimmer of Light (IRE) 9-1 (11-7) Held up mid-division, weakened 7th, behind when pulled up 4 out in race won by Brown Teddy (11-10) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Mar, 12 ran.
