not fluent, held up in rear, mistake 13th, blundered 4 out, soon beaten
led, ridden and headed 2 out, one pace under pressure
held up in touch, headway to lead 2 out, pushed out
mid-division, headway 10th to track leaders, effort and chance 2 out, one pace under pressure
mistakes, held up towards rear, pushed along 14th, headway under pressure after 4 out, no impression from next
fell 1st
tracked leaders, mistake 10th, blundered 14th, hit 4 out, soon weakened
not jump well, close up, blundered 3rd, hit 8th, soon dropped rear, tailed off when pulled up before 14th
Doe Nal Rua has been steadily running into form and can come good at the expense of the likes of Lazy But Lively, Wise Man, Strong Resolve and High Cotton, while a watching brief is advised on Mr Hornblower. There are many in with chances here, but Tim Easterby has been patient with Doe Nal Rua and the policy can pay off with a first win for the seven-year-old. He has come through the ranks, progressing from bumpers and hurdles until making his debut over fences at Newcastle in December. Third to Inching Closer, he again shaped well when second at Wetherby just less than three weeks ago. Going back to his bumper debut in November 2002, the horse that he chased home in heavy ground, Sh Boom, has gone on to better things, and it is hoped that this son of Mister Lord will do the same. He takes on proven opposition here, including Lazy But Lively, a triple winner in heavy ground over hurdles who made a bright start to his chasing career when scoring at Sedgefield on Boxing Day. Outpaced on fast ground last time, he should be more at home here. Wise Man came out best in an incident-packed race at Ayr in which there was only one other finisher, and has more to do, while Strong Resolve ran as though something was amiss last time at Haydock and is best judged on his convincing win at Ayr over Christmas. He will be a danger if back to his best, as will High Cotton, although he does have an alarming tendency to find one too good, and is still a maiden. Mr Hornblower was pulled up at Newcastle a fortnight ago on what was his first outing in over three years, and is likely to need a few more races before being considered, and so we return to Doe Nal Rua as the selection.
