took keen hold, led to 3rd, chased winner until ridden approaching 3 out, kept on one pace
always towards rear, tailed off, pulled up before 2 out
always towards rear
mid-division, weakened after 5th, tailed off, pulled up before 3 out
in touch, slightly hampered 3rd, mistake 5th, weakened next, tailed off, pulled up before 3 out
soon chasing leader, led 3rd, clear 3 out, hit last, eased towards finish
took keen hold, mistake 2nd, always behind
mid-division, headway after 6th, ridden to chase winner approaching 3 out, stayed on same pace
jumped right, mid-division, headway approaching 6th, ridden, one pace from 3 out
mid-division, headway 5th, ridden approaching 3 out, one pace when hit last
chased leaders, jumped right 3rd, weakened 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
Arumun is taken to end a frustrating run of seconds at the expense of Butler Services, Paro, Templer and Hold That Thought. There are certainly plenty open to improvement here, but the placed form of Michael Scudamore's Arumun sets the standard. Arumun has had the misfortune to find one too good on three occasions already, most recently at Fakenham in January when collared close home by Nicky Henderson's Unjust Law. There is nothing of that calibre in this line up, and if Tom Scudamore takes the bull by the horns so to speak, he should at last gain due reward. Jonjo O'Neill had the option of running Fibre Optics in this but instead relies on Butler Services who has yet to impress in two starts over hurdles. However, Mick Fitzgerald, who rode him at Taunton the time before last, is back on board and will be hopeful of reaching the frame at least. Paro only raced on testing going in France, so it remains to be seen how Pipe's new recruit will go on today's fast ground, while Hold That Thought makes his debut over timber and is best watched along with Templer who also sees an obstacle for the first time. With experience in that department to call on, we return to Aramun as the answer to the opener.
Arumun (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Led, headed and jumped right 2 out, rallied and stayed on well, 2nd of 9, shd behind Unjust Law (11-1) at Fakenham 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Jan.
Butler Services (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, tailed off from 3 out, 8th of 12, 39l behind Muntami (10-12) at Fakenham 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Jan.
Fill The Bunker (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) In touch, ridden and weakened 5th, 11th of 16, 41l behind Montecorvino (11-5) at Towcester 2m nov hdl (3) sft in Jan.
Green Collar 100-1 (10-13) Mid-division and keen, blundered and unseated rider at the 3rd in race won by Teeton Babysham (11-6) at Chepstow 3m mdn hdl (5) sft in Jan, 15 ran.
Noviciate (IRE) 150-1 (11-0) Pulled early and always behind, tailed off from 5th, 5th of 6, well behind Refinement (11-3) at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (C) gd in Nov.
Oui Exit (FR) 66-1 (11-0) Always behind, tailed off and pulled up 3 out in race won by Menchikov (11-0) at Ludlow 2m nh nov hdl (E) gd in Nov, 11 ran.
Paro (FR) (10-12) Held up, improved 2 out, every chance, no extra, 3rd of 16, 7l behind Idian Mix (10-10) at Auteuil 2m 3f clm hdl in Nov.
Percy Jay (NZ) 100-1 (10-13) Led after 2f, headed 6f out, weakened 5f out, tailed off, 16th of 18, well behind Ringaroses (10-13) at Ludlow 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
Templer (IRE) 25-1 (11-5) Mid-division, ridden and headway 6f out, weakened 3f out, 6th of 13, 15l behind Willie Pep (11-5) at Taunton 2m 1f nhf (6) gd in Jan.
Wenlocks Wonder 125-1 (11-5) Held up, some headway after 6th, never dangerous, 6th of 16, 35l behind Rosecliff (10-7) at Ludlow 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Jan.
Koral Bay (FR) 16-1 (10-12) Led until after 8th, weakened, jumped right 3 out, 8th of 16, 38l behind Atlantic Jane (11-2) at Ludlow 2m 5f mrs mdn hdl (4) gd in Jan.
Post It 50-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, ridden 5th, weakened 3 out, behind 2 out, 7th of 14, 34l behind Princelet (10-7) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Princess Yum Yum 150-1 (10-7) Always behind, jumped right throughout, tailed off 6th pulled up 3 out in race won by Au Courant (11-5) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (3) gs in Jan, 14 ran.
Montanah Jet 125-1 (10-9) Held up, tailed off halfway, virtually pulled up 6f out, last of 14, well behind Alfie Flits (11-7) at Southwell 2m 4yo nhf (6) gs in Jan.
Hold That Thought (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, no impression, 14th of 17, well behind Pepporoni Pete (11-4) at Wincanton 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
Dream On Maggie 50-1 (11-0) Held up mid-division, headway after 6th, mistake 3 out, soon ridden, one pace, 5th of 12, 12l behind Sunley Shines (10-9) at Fontwell 2m 2f mrs nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
