held up in touch, weakened after 10th, in poor 4th when fell last
led from 2nd, headed after 8th, blundered when weakening 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
held up, went 2nd after 6th, weakened 10th, poor 3rd when blundered last
held up in rear, chased leaders 10th, led on bridle after last, stayed on well
held up in touch, lost place 8th
chased leaders, led after 8th, ridden and headed after last, one paced
led and raced keen, headed 2nd, weakened after 8th, pulled up before 10th
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Forty Shakes' recent win was made easier by the favourite departing early on, however he is taken to go in again, at the main expense of Iron Express, Exit Swinger, and Rebel Army. The selection only needed to be pushed out to score just six days ago and whilst he will encounter different ground today, it shouldn't inconvenience. Trainer Maria Myco is a local so as long as the horse is fairly strong in the market, he looks the one to side with. Rebel Army is consistent and should appreciate the step up in trip today although softer ground may be the key to him getting his head in front, whilst another with place claims is Richard Ford's Exit Swinger. He was rated 145 at his peak and making the journey up and across from Cheshire, he should be monitored closely. Dark Thunder can not be discarded lightly as a course and distance winner, however of more interest may be Iron Express. He has been in good form in recent points outings and as a true stayer he must have solid place claims. Assuming it stays dry, Ben From Ketton could go well at a price, however for the winner we will return to recent winner Forty Shakes.
Exit Swinger (FR) 8-1 (12-0) Led, headed 2 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 6, 21l behind Deckie (11-9) at Fontwell 3m 2f hts chs (4) sft in Feb.
Forty Shakes (IRE) 11-2 (11-7) Raced keenly, held up, steady headway 4 out, went 2nd next, led after 2 out, driven out flat, won at Catterick 3m 1f nov hts chs (6) sft beating Nile Moon (11-7) by 1l, 9 ran.
Rebel Army (IRE) 25-1 (12-0) Close up, slow 4th, and lost place, headway 6th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, chased winner last, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Thompsons Wood (12-0) at Huntingdon 3m nov hts chs (5) sft in Feb.
Thorsgill 14-1 (12-5) Made all; clear 2 out; stayed on well, won at Alnwick 3m ptp gd in Jan beating Duggleby (12-5) by 6l, 19 ran.
Iron Express 3-1 (11-0) Always prominent; led 13-15; one pce, 2nd of 9, 5l behind Interdit (11-0) at Corbridge 3m 5f ptp gd.
Lifes A Flyer (IRE) 11-2 (11-7) Prominent, led 12th, headed 13th, weakened before next, tailed off, 3rd of 4, well behind Tinarana Lord (11-11) at Bangor 3m hts chs (6) sft.
Harry Hooly 8-1 (12-7) Lost touch 7th; went remote 2nd flat, 2nd of 6, 30l behind Kilcaskin Gold (12-0) at Netherby Park 3m ptp hvy in Feb.
Thunder Hawk (IRE) 4-1 (12-0) (cp) prom 11th-15th; one pace from next, 2nd of 8, 4l behind Robbers Glen (12-0) at Alnwick 3m ptp gd in Feb.
