held up in 3rd, hit 4th, challenged 13th, not fluent and ridden 4 out, every chance when hit 2 out, no impression last, eased flat
made virtually all, mistake 2nd, not fluent 4 out, in command last, drew clear, readily
mostly pressed winner until hit 13th, stumbled and eventually unseated rider
A poor turnout and the in-form JOAACI is fancied to dispose of Kjetil and Mr Ed. The former Martin Pipe inmate has been in good form between the flags of late, winning most recently at Great Trethew. That made it two wins from three starts in that sphere and he looks sure to run a big race with his enthusiasm seemingly renewed. Lets not forget that he won a Cheltenham handicap off a mark of 143 once upon a time. Kjetil has been hitting the frame for some time in the point-to-point scene, and he does have five wins to his name between the flags. His consistency means that he cannot be ignored here. Mr Ed has to give 8lbs to both of his rivals and that may make his task too difficult. He has the better recent form on the racecourse proper (third to Bob Hall at Ludlow in February) but his overall profile is not reliable and his best form has come on quicker ground. Not much to choose between the three but the old fans hero Joacci can oblige.
Mr Ed (IRE) 12-1 (11-13) Mid-division, mistake 3rd, struggling 14th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Moncadou (11-12) at Fontwell 3m 2f hts chs (4) hvy in Feb, 9 ran.
Joaaci (IRE) 5-1 (12-0) Lft in ld 14; rdn 3 out; stayed on wl, won at Great Trethew 3m ptp in Feb beating Sporting Rebel (12-7) by 8l, 9 ran.
Kjetil (USA) 2-1 (12-4) Ap; led 12 til hdd app 2 out; no ex flat, 2nd of 9, 5l behind Fully Loaded (12-0) at Badbury Rings 3m ptp in Feb.
