tracked leaders, left 2nd before 6th, led soon after 4 out, hampered and headed 2 out, rallied to lead again next, soon headed, kept on one pace
in touch, closed 4 out, led when jumped right 2 out, headed next, ridden and kept on one pace
keen tracked leader, lost action and pulled up quickly before 6th, dismounted
in touch in rear, closed 4 out, every chance 2 out, ridden to lead flat, hung left and ran on
led, headed soon after 4 out, soon in rear, weakened next, tailed off
close up, every chance 3 out, ridden next, faded flat
This won’t take much winning and it looks a good opportunity for HOLLOW BAY if a spell chasing hasn’t dampened enthusiasm. Paul Webber’s charge has finished second four times over hurdles and, having run well at Ludlow and Kempton, should enjoy this similar track. Conteur d'Histoire has only managed one decent run in half-a-dozen attempts but The Grinder has been placed twice at Doncaster, though was well beaten on both occasions.
Conteur d'Histoire (FR) 9-1 (11-4) In touch in rear on outside, shaken up after 5th, ridden after 4 out, soon beaten, weakened well before 3 out, pulled up before 2 out, at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (3) sft in Mar.
The Grinder (IRE) 16-1 (11-4) Towards rear, plugged on from 3 out, never dangerous, 6th of 12, 19 3/4l behind Caius Marcius (11-11) at Wetherby 2m hcp (4) gd in Mar.
Hollow Bay 16-1 (10-8) Held up in mid-division, hit 4th and lost place, not fluent next, mistake 11th, modest 7th when mistake 3 out, no impression, 5th of 9, 22l behind Still Believing (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Dec.
Sierra Oscar (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders on outside, struggling 4 out, well beaten from next, 8th of 14, dist behind Sumkindofking (11-0) at Southwell 2m mdn (5) gs in Nov.
Spyder 50-1 (10-3) With leader, weakened before 3 out, 7th of 9, 27 3/4l behind Celestial Magic (11-9) at Towcester 2m hcp (4) sft in Mar.
Gasoline (IRE) 20-1 (11-6) Held up towards rear, hampered 4th, ridden before 3 out, never on terms, weakened before last, 10th of 13, 28 3/4l behind Cafe Au Lait (10-8) at Wetherby 2m hcp (5) gs in Feb.
