held up, headway 9th, behind from 13th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
tracked leader, led 8th until 4 out, still every chance when not fluent 2 out, weakened last, lost 2nd post
not fluent 5th, behind until pulled up before 10th
held up in rear, headway approaching 11th, struggling 4 out, plugged on from 2 out
mid-division, mistake 2nd, headway 7th, chased leader 13th, led 4 out until 3 out, 3rd and beaten when mistake 2 out
not jumped well, always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up in touch, headway 8th, pecked 11th, led 3 out, came clear flat
mid-division, behind from 8th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
led, jumped left 6th and 7th, headed 8th, outpaced after 3 out, stayed on flat, went 2nd post
held up, headway 11th, not fluent next, weakened 4 out, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
prominent to 4th, behind when mistake 10th, tailed off and pulled up before 12th
prominent until ridden and weakened 13th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
prominent until 6th, behind from 8th, tailed off and pulled up before 12th
held up in touch, ridden 13th, weakened before 15th, tailed off
Isou is lightly-raced and can make up for lost time here ahead of Dun Locha Castle, Sir Cumference and The River Joker. Victor Dartnell's nine-year-old was having his first outing in two years when finishing third at Newton Abbot in November. He can only improve for the run, and with his stamina proven over hurdles in the past, he should have no problems staying round here. Although he could have done with another run perhaps to get him even straighter, he still makes most appeal with the ground in his favour. Dun Locha Castle landed something of a punt at Plumpton earlier in the season and made a bold bid to make all from out of the handicap at the Sussex track just five days ago. If he has sufficiently recovered, then he should at least be placed. Sir Cumference has changed stables, having been with Henrietta Knight last term, and is best watched maybe on his first start since November 2003. Sixth to One Knight on his Exeter debut over two years ago, the potential is still there if Venetia Williams can unlock it. The River Joker fails to impress with his jumping but has won here in the past so if he gets his act together, can play apart in proceedings as well. Black Smoke and Red Alert Man have minor claims as well, but Isou is the one to be on.
