prominent in chasing group, weakened over 3f out
led at good pace, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened
prominent in chasing group, ridden over 4f out, soon behind
took keen hold, held up and always behind
prominent in chasing group, behind from halfway
behind, kept on final 2f, never dangerous
held up in mid-division, chased leaders 4f out, one pace and no impression final 2f
pulled hard, soon chasing leader, ridden and weakened inside final 2f
held up towards rear, good headway on outside from 7f out, ridden and every chance from,2f out, chased winner and no impression final furlong
held up in mid-divison, kept on under pressure final 2f, went 2nd inside final furlong, no impression on winner
in rear, headway under pressure 3f out, led over 2f out, ran green but soon clear, eased near finish
behind, some headway, final 2f but never near leaders
It is hard to be confident in naming a selection for the bumper but we will opt for Rimsky, while Stern, Montrolin, King Louis, plus a number of newcomers have also to be considered. Being a half-brother to Misternando and Mistanoora, Rimsky certainly catches the eye on breeding. If the betting backs this up, he should go well. Stern showed plenty of promise on his debut at Huntingdon and, with improvement likely, he should go well. Montrolin caught the eye staying on late at Warwick last time and is another to consider. Much as it is hard to fully assess It's In The Stars' Uttoxeter win, he looked to have staying potential there and something might do him for toe today. King Louis, who cost 45,000 euros, has likeable breeding, while Kate's Gift is also well bred for this game, and, of course, Nicky Henderson is always to be feared here, so keep an eye on the market with regard to Bright Spirit. Being from Hughie Morrison's yard, Zanzibar Boy is also worth a look, as is Tom George's Laugherne Bank. Golden Bay's half-brother, Golden Crew, also has something to like, and Alphagran is related to plenty of winners. Ones to also keep an eye on are Talikos, the well-bed Sworn In and Loita Hills but, for us, the vote goes to Rimsky, but keep a close eye on the betting market.
It's In The Stars 10-1 Held up and keen, ridden and headway over 2f out, ran on to lead towards finish, won at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (H) hvy in Jan beating Eaton Hall by 3 1/2l, 9 ran.
Danzig Conquest 20-1 Soon led, ridden 4f out, headed over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 3rd of 14, 33l behind Mister Quasimodo at Exeter 2m 1f nhf (H) gs in Feb.
Golden Crew Busy Flight horse, half-brother to winning hurdler and bumper Golden Bay.
Laugherne Bank (IRE) Zaffaran gelding, half-brother to winning bumper and hurdler Beyond The Pale.
Loita Hills (IRE) Norwich gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler and bumper Oyez.
Montrolin 20-1 Behind, headway over 6f out, ridden when not much room over 3f out, kept on final 2f, 4th of 12, 10l behind Round The Horn at Warwick 2m nhf (H) sft in Jan.
Optimistic Alfie 66-1 In touch, ridden over 5f out, soon weakened, 5th of 8, 37l behind Its A Dream at Folkestone 2m 1f nhf (H) gs in Feb.
Stern (IRE) 12-1 Held up, headway over 4f out, soon chasing leaders, ran on inside final furlong, 3rd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Sonic Sound at Huntingdon 2m nhf (H) gd in Jan.
Zanzibar Boy Arzanni gelding, half-brother to winning jumper Bay Fair.
One Wild Night Rakaposhi King mare out of a mare who ran only once.
Arumun (IRE) Posidonas gelding out of an unraced mare.
Bright Spirit Petoski colt, half-brother to several winning bumpers and hurdlers.
Jimmy Bedney (IRE) 66-1 Chased leaders until weakened quickly 4f out, 11th of 13, 25l behind Openide at Cheltenham 1m 4f nhf lst (A) gd in Jan.
Kate's Gift Supreme Leader gelding out of winning bumper Ardentinny.
King Louis (FR) Nikos gelding, half-brother to winners on the Flat including Group winners Whortleberry and Valentino.
Rimsky (IRE) Silver Patriarch gelding out of Cleeve Hurdle winner Mistinguett.
Sworn In (USA) Kingmambo colt, brother to winning miler Queen's Word, half-brother to two winners up to 1m.
Talikos (FR) Nikos gelding out of a winning French chaser.
Alphagran (IRE) Alphabatim gelding, half-brother to numerous winning jumpers including the useful Blue Irish.
