It is more than two years since Kankin was last seen splitting a couple of subsequent hurdle winners at Market Rasen. Up For Appeal didn’t show much on his first start for new connections at Hereford but RANGE ran a race full of promise when beaten less than a length by favourite Isaac Des Obeaux at Chepstow and may have more pace than Newton Abbot third Mullins Bay, who is bred to be a staying chaser. Princess Poppy is a half-sister to four winning jumpers but Golden Ace is bred for the Flat
Kankin 6-1 (11-0) Held up, headway 3f out, ridden to lead 2f out, pressed inside final furlong, headed final strides, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Italian Spirit (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mdn (5) sft in Dec.
Mullins Bay 15-8fav (10-13) Chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 3rd of 9, 10l behind Madaa (11-6) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f (5) gd in Oct.
Range (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, took keen hold, hung right bend over 4f out, challenged 2f out, led over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong, held close home, 2nd of 13, 3/4l behind Isaac Des Obeaux (11-2) at Chepstow 2m (5) gs in Nov.
Up For Appeal (IRE) 14-1 (11-2) Towards rear, headway over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 4th of 10, 17 3/4l behind Ioupy Collonges (11-2) at Hereford 2m (5) sft in Nov.
Golden Ace Golden Horn filly out of Deuce Again.
Princess Poppy Ocovango filly out of Loxhill Lady.
