tracked leader, blundered and unseated rider 7th
led, mistake 8th, headed when mistake 2 out, soon beaten
tracked leaders, left in 2nd at 7th, led 2 out, drew clear last, very easily
Barring accidents it's hard to see how Shepherd Storm could beat these rivals as he takes a fierce hold and is usually done with soon after halfway. Western Rules, a dual bumper and hurdles winner, unseated his rider on his first start over fences but did much better at Newcastle last time though all of his best form is on ground with plenty of give. He's rated 19lb inferior to RED INDIAN but only receives 6lb so Kelly Morgan's charge, a 15l winner on his chasing debut at Ayr in November before a very good run in the Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton where he led for a long way, should have little difficulty getting back on the winning trail before heading for better things.
Red Indian 25-1 (11-7) Led to 12th, outpaced from 4 out, 4th of 7, 14 1/2l behind La Bague Au Roi (11-0) at Kempton 3m (1) gs in Dec.
Shepherd Storm (IRE) 200-1 (11-0) Led, clear until 8th, headed before 4 out, 3rd and looked to be fading when fell 3 out, at Newcastle 2m (4) gs in Jan.
Western Rules (IRE) 7-2 (11-3) Held up in touch, headway 4 out, soon chasing leaders, every chance approaching last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 6, 2 3/4l behind Skipthescales (11-0) at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
