held up, headway 6th, ridden and weakened last over 3f from home
chased leader, led after 2nd, not fluent 2 out, soon led again, hit last, soon ridden, headed post
led, headed after 2nd, chased leader until ran out 7th
held up, jumped big 4th, lost touch from next, tailed off
held up in touch, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened before last over 4f from home
held up towards rear, mistake 4th, soon lost touch, tailed off
chased leading pair, jumped left 3rd and 4th, led briefly 2 out, ridden from 2f out, stayed on to lead post
hit 2nd, mistake 4th, always behind, tailed off from 5th
A weak beginners' chase here and one that should not prove too much of a problem for Quirino, with Esprit Saint the main danger and Danse Macabre and Shaka's Pearl best of the rest. The selection is trainer Christian Von Der Recke's first runner in Britain this year and the German-based handler looks set to continue his fruitful partnership with champion jockey Tony McCoy. Although he makes his chasing debut here, he handles the ground, has been a decent sort over hurdles at home and the trainer would not be sending him over if he didn't think he could land this poor race. Esprit Saint looks best of the home contingent. He has two chases already under his belt and will see out this trip well. He handles cut and if there are any deficiencies in the selection's armoury then he can take advantage. Danse Macabre has shown little in two starts over fences so far but is at least worth keeping an eye on judged on his hurdling ability, while Shaka's Pearl clearly enjoys this stiff track and soft ground. He showed us a glimmer of hope with his run here last time but does not look good enough today and preference is for Quirino.
Danse Macabre (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Held up, short lived effort 8th, soon struggling, 5th of 7, well behind Dunsfold Duke (11-3) at Lingfield 2m 4f beg chs (4) hvy.
Esprit Saint (FR) 13-8fav (11-3) Chased leaders, led after 4 out, headed after 3 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 7l behind Dunsfold Duke (11-3) at Lingfield 2m 4f beg chs (4) hvy.
Killing Me Softly 66-1 (11-2) Chased leader until 6th, ridden 8th, weakened 9th, last of 4, well behind Buena Vista (11-12) at Hereford 2m nov chs (3) hvy.
Lonesome Boatman (IRE) 100-1 (11-4) In rear and hampered 1st, tailed off from 6th, 4th of 10, well behind Afrad (11-4) at Chepstow 2m 3f beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Magical Harry 14-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 7th, ridden and weakened approaching 4 out, 4th of 8, 26l behind Mister Quasimodo (11-3) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (4) hvy.
Park Quest (IRE) 100-1 (11-4) In rear, tailed off from 6th, 3rd of 10, well behind Afrad (11-4) at Chepstow 2m 3f beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Quirino (GER) (10-1) won at Neuss 2m hdl sft beating Hippodrome (10-3) by 11l, 8 ran.
Miss Sallyfield (IRE) 11-4fav (11-7) 7th of 12, 31l behind The Eens (12-9) at Bangor 3m ptp gd in Feb.
Shaka's Pearl 13-2 (11-0) Chased leaders, ridden after 4 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 8, 8l behind Jacarado (10-5) at Towcester 2m 3f hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Dec.
