always behind, lost touch, pulled up before 4 out
tracked leader, hit 6th, 2 lengths down when fell 4 out
led, hit 8th, 8 lengths clear at last when ridden, hung right, weakened, headed near finish
always towards rear, hit 4 out
towards rear, ridden 3 out, no impression
mid-division, weakened from 4 out, pulled up before last
mid-division, headway from 3 out to chase leaders, ridden approaching last, kept on to lead near finish
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, kept on one pace
Nonrunner
Northern Quest did nothing wrong last time and can gain some compensation for his narrow defeat. A number of the opposition have plenty to prove but Fencote Gold, Primus Inter Pares and Field Roller are three who could get involved. Unlike many of his opponents, the selection is a progressive chaser who should be able to cope with a 5lb rise for his Sedgefield second. The winner received an inspired ride that day and the front two pulled a long way clear of the field. This drop in trip should help him and he's the one that they all have to beat. Fencote Gold has failed to complete the last twice but won well at Bangor in November and he appeals as the best alternative to the selection. Primus Inter Pares battled on well to win over 2 miles 3 at Catterick but he's 6lbs higher and this track is by no means certain to suit so well. Field Roller may have pulled up on his return to action but he'll be better served by this quicker ground and the market should tell us whether he retains his ability. We recommend you keep an eye on him but Northern Quest is the pick.
Primus Inter Pares (IRE) 15-2 (10-7) Held up, ridden 4 out, headway approaching next, led 2 out, edged left run-in, kept on, won at Catterick 2m 3f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Feb beating Flake (11-7) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Northern Quest (IRE) 7-1 (11-1) In touch, went 2nd 4 out, led 2 out, ridden last, headed and no extra towards finish, 2nd of 13, nk behind Izzykeen (10-6) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Mar.
Cheer Us On 6-1 (11-6) Always behind, tailed off, 7th of 9, well behind Kirby's Vic (9-11) at Leicester 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Mar.
Ton-Chee 18-1 (11-9) Always behind, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Northern Quest (10-12) at Newcastle 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Mar, 10 ran.
Royal Glen (IRE) 16-1 (10-3) Behind, headway 2 out, ridden and stayed on to go 2nd flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 6l behind Loch Oscaig (11-3) at Carlisle 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Mar.
Field Roller (IRE) 12-1 (11-11) Mid-division, weakened 4 out, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Oleolat (10-5) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Mar, 12 ran.
Great Jane (FR) 10-1 (10-4) Tracked leaders, challenged 5 out, soon ridden and one pace, weakened last, 6th of 12, 13l behind Loch Oscaig (11-3) at Carlisle 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Mar.
Fencote Gold 12-1 (10-2) Led to 3rd, chased winner until blundered and unseated rider at the 5th in race won by Northern Quest (10-12) at Newcastle 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Mar, 10 ran.
Divex (IRE) 13-2 (11-11) Mid-division, lost place 6th, headway 9th, outpaced 4 out, soon weakened, 5th of 10, 31l behind Northern Quest (10-12) at Newcastle 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Mar.
