in rear, reminders after 4th and 5th, responded to go 2nd 6th, led 14th, mistake 18th, narrowly headed 3 out, led again last, ridden out
patiently ridden, held up, headway 16th, close 3rd last, stayed on to go 2nd towards finish
led 3rd, mistake 10th, blundered 13th, headed 14th, weakened approaching 16th, behind when pulled up before next
mistakes, led to 3rd, lost place 7th, rallied approaching 16th, weakened before next, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
always prominent, hit 7th, took narrow lead 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, headed last, no extra towards finish
held up in touch, took keen hold, reminder after 14th, weakened approaching 4 out
Nonrunner
At first glance, this would appear to be another excellent opportunity for Dickie Lewis and he does get the nod but this may not prove to be straightforward. This would be an apt course for Sophie Leech to gain her first success as a trainer under Rules and Croc An Oir is certainly not without claims. He's on a decent mark and gets on well with Paul Moloney but he hasn't tackled heavy ground since his debut in 2002. Jaloux D'Estruval is another veteran that retains sufficient ability to win this contest whilst The Ring has shown fairly consistent form and may derive some benefit from his cheekpieces. Stamina is the concern with him and also for Madam Harriet whilst Another Chat, Heartache and Whosethatfor have something to prove on the formbook. Neither area is a matter of concern for Dickie Lewis who added a win over fences at Kelso to his two successes over timber to complete his hat-trick. The handicapper hasn't overreacted, trip and ground would appear to be ideal and Dickie Lewis has an obvious chance of completing a four-timer.
The Ring (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) In touch, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression, 8th of 16, 18l behind Massini Sunset (9-9) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Feb.
Croc An Oir (IRE) 9-1 (11-3) Held up, steady progress from 10th, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on, 2nd of 15, 3/4l behind River Indus (11-5) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in Feb.
Jaloux d'Estruval (FR) 13-2 (10-4) Mid-division until blundered badly and unseated rider at the 13th in race won by Golden Oak (10-11) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs, 9 ran.
Whosethatfor (IRE) 16-1 (11-8) Towards rear, brief effort after 17th, 5th of 10, well behind Madam Harriet (10-3) at Chepstow 3m 2f cnd hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft.
Madam Harriet 25-1 (10-3) Tracked leaders, challenged leader after 4 out, led after last, kept on under pressure, won at Chepstow 3m 2f cnd hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft beating Present M'lord (11-3) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Another Chat (IRE) 13-2 (9-11) In touch, ridden to chase leaders 5 out, weakened next, 6th of 10, well behind Madam Harriet (10-3) at Chepstow 3m 2f cnd hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft.
Dickie Lewis 6-4fav (11-1) Led, blundered 13th, headed 5 out, led again approaching 3 out, left clear 2 out, kept on under pressure flat, won at Kelso 3m 1f hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft in Feb beating Solemn Vow (10-0) by 1l, 10 ran.
Heartache 66-1 (9-11) Mid-division, not fluent 1st, in touch from 4th, weakened under pressure after 4 out, behind when pulled up in race won by Hello Bud (10-12) at Hereford 3m 7f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Feb, 16 ran.
