held up behind leaders, mistake 15th, ridden after 4 out, outpaced 3 out, rallied 2 out, one pace after
led, headed approaching 2nd, led 5th, hit last, ridden out
raced keenly, held up behind leaders, chased winner 3 out until approaching 2 out, weakened before last
led 2nd, jumped slowly and headed 5th, hit 11th, ridden after 4 out, pecked 3 out, went 2nd approaching 2 out, every chance last, no extra towards finish
Bubble Boy is the pick in this contest with Mister Apple's and College Ace the dangers. The selection has form in small fields and while it is of obvious concern that we have not seen him out for some time, this will have been on account of his requirement for genuinely fast going. He has that here and can have few excuses. Mister Apple's hasn't done too much wrong this season but invariably finds one too good. The ground would also be a question mark. College Ace is a previous winner around the course so Phillip Hobbs' inmate should not be discounted despite failing to complete on his last two starts. One Cornetto has never truly convinced over the trip and the percentage call is to oppose. Bubble Boy should experience few problems in the prevailing conditions and should be the one to beat if fit.
College Ace (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) Held up towards rear, headway after 10th, ridden next, weakened approaching 4 out, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by He's The Gaffer (10-11) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Mar, 13 ran.
Bubble Boy (IRE) 11-1 (10-1) Mid-division until 15th, soon behind, 9th of 12, well behind Kerstino Two (11-0) at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-140 (2) sft in Jan.
One Cornetto (IRE) 6-1 (11-8) Keen hold, in touch to 3 out, no impression next, 2nd of 4, 30l behind Bubble Boy (11-3) at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Dec.
Mister Apple's (FR) 7-1 (11-9) Tracked clear leader, effort before 3 out, soon weakened, 2nd of 12, 9l behind Bronson F'sure (10-4) at Huntingdon 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Mar.
