tracked leaders, took closer order 4th, blundered 6th, fell 8th
tracked leaders, mistake 5th, ridden after 4 out, weakened 2 out
led 1st, headed next, led again approaching 7th, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on well flat
held up, ridden and headway approaching 2 out, close 2nd when fell last
led to 1st, led again 2nd, headed 7th, ridden and weakened after 4 out
held up in rear, pushed along after 4 out, weakened from 3 out
held up in touch, chased winner after 4 out, ridden approaching 3 out, left 2nd last, one pace
There is a distinct possibility that Howard Johnson could be enjoying another profitable day by this time and his representative Island Faith is given preference over Gdames, who won in good style earlier in the week but would not want the ground to be too testing and has more to do under a 6lb penalty. A bigger threat to the selection may come from Town Crier, who had the race at his mercy when falling on his previous visit to this track. He has subsequently brushed up on his jumping and can give them all plenty to think about today. Upgrade is a law unto himself these days but is a prime candidate to tow them along. However, his concentration is not always what it should be and he is not one to trust wholeheartedly. Whereas it remains to be seen if Bambi de L'Orme makes the journey after his efforts at Sandown yesterday. Therefore, we stick with the more reliable option in Island Faith, who traveled supremely well when winning at Warwick and, with that from being boosted by the runner up since, he has a rock-solid chance of following up this afternoon.
Upgrade 20-1 Close up, ridden after 4 out, weakened next, 4th of 6, 16l behind Oneway at Sandown 2m hcp chs (B) gs.
Kalca Mome (FR) 8-1 Held up in rear, mistake 3rd and 4th, soon lost place, weakened approaching 10th, 8th of 9, 27l behind Oneway at Sandown 2m hcp chs 0-145 (B) gs in Jan.
Town Crier (IRE) 11-4 Held up, headway to chase winner 8th, lost 2nd next, weakened 3 out, 3rd and beaten when blundered 2 out, 3rd of 6, 38l behind Locksmith at Doncaster 2m nov chs (B) gd in Jan.
Bambi de L'Orme (FR) 13-8fav Held up towards rear, headway 4 out, 2nd and held when pecked and unseated rider at the last in race won by Master Rex at Wincanton 2m hcp chs 0-130 (C) gs in Dec, 8 ran.
Island Faith (IRE) 85-40fav Held up, headway 6th, led 2 out, clear last, easily, won at Warwick 2m hcp chs 0-135 (C) sft in Jan beating Mouseski by 2l, 6 ran.
