trkd ldr, jnd ldr 5th, led next, rdn out
hld up in rr, rdn and hdw 3 out, ed left appr last, styd on u.p flat
hld up, hdw 5th, rdn and wknd fr 3 out
hld up, hit 6th, rdn appr 3 out, btn wh hit last
chsd ldrs, lost pl 5th, sn bh
led, rdn and hdd 6th, wknd appr 2 out
Empire Park is a thoroughly tough and genuine individual, who will not give in from his likely position at the head of affairs. He will stay this trip well in this ground and has a decent chance, though he has never won off this mark before. He is dropping down the weights a the moment, but might still be vulnerable off 113. Preference here is for the Nicky Henderson-trained Caballe, another who is slipping down the handicap after looking exposed recently. Again, she has never won off her current mark of 106, but has won over the course, shapes as if she will stay the trip in this rain softened ground and has a bit more scope than Empire Park. She is the selection here. Others to consider are Tristan Ludlow and Colline de Feu. The former was patiently handled on his three starts in soft ground so far, but made the frame for the first time on his most recent appearance at Folkestone in December. He seemed to handle the heavy going there a little better and though he was well beaten, he will surely improve for that run and has the assistance of A P McCoy from the saddle. Colline de Feu may not have any wins to her name this season, but she should figure again here, over a trip which looks like it will suit. The mare shapes as though she will stay and can handle the ground, so do not rule her out off a feather weight.
