close up, mistake and rider lost iron 8th recovered iron after next, went 2nd 3 out, ridden to lead next, headed flat, kept on
keen close up, ridden and every chance when mistake last, stumbled on landing, rallied to go 2nd near finish
led, jumped left 8th, headed next, rallied 2 out, ridden and every chance last, led again flat
tracked leader, led 9th, ridden when mistake and headed 2 out, soon beaten
Nothing stands out here despite the lack of numbers and it is only tentatively that we side with last-year's winner DOMINICAN MONK ahead of King Brex and Vinmix De Bessy. David Arbuthnot's last two runners have won and this son of Lord Americo could easily make it three. He was disappointing when last seen at Stratford in May but his previous third to Pepsyrock puts him firmly in the mix and having had injuries in the past it may be that fresh is the best time to catch him. Vinmix De Bessy is also a course and distance winner and his form suggests that he may find this small field more to his liking, especially after falling at Wincanton in December. The yard are canny and if the money comes then it may pay to take heed. King Brex has a manageable 4lb rise for his Plumpton win in January, and he may be getting the hang of things. However his earlier profile is not too convincing and he cannot be put forward with total faith. It's impossible to compare the French form of Indiana Gold so a market watch may be the best advice for this gelding on his UK bow, however we are happy to side with Dominican Monk.
Vinmix De Bessy (FR) 25-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, weakened before 8th, struggling 4 out, 8th and no chance when fell 3 out, in a race won by Green Belt Elite (11-7) at Wincanton 2m hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Dec, 10 ran.
Dominican Monk (IRE) 4-1 (11-6) Not fluent, soon well behind, jumped left 7th, pulled up before next, in a race won by Passato (10-2) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in May, 9 ran.
King Brex (DEN) 5-2 (11-12) Tracked leader, led after 4th, made rest, pecked 6th, blundered 8th, ridden before last, stayed on well, eased near finish, won at Plumpton 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Jan beating Cockatoo (11-11) by 1 1/2l, 5 ran.
Indiana Gold (FR) (10-12) 98th of 11, well behind Quoquoalco (10-10) at Nantes(FR) 2m 5f chs sft in Jun.
