soon in mid-division, progress to go 2nd after 6th, lead approaching 2 out, ran on well to draw clear flat, readily
led, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, one pace and no impression flat
held up in touch, went 2nd 5th, ridden and weakened after next
held up, took keen hold, hit 3rd, awkward 2nd, behind from 4th
held up in touch, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
took keen hold, tracked leader to 5th, remained prominent, lost ground on front 2 before 2 out, stayed on steadily from last
Nonrunner
Smart prospects Kia Kaha and Sir Harry Ormesher, our pick, have to concede upwards of 10lbs to their rivals but should still dominate this contest. Backstage is the obvious alternative to that pair although This Way and Patsy Finnegan have hinted at ability. Kia Kaha made the most of a lenient looking handicap mark to narrowly get the better of Roman Villa in a well contested handicap at Cheltenham in November. The runner-up has boosted the value of that form almost every time that he's run since and this half-brother to Missed That should have no problem seeing out this longer trip. Sir Harry Ormesher showed decent form in bumpers and impressed when winning on his hurdling bow. He was a shade disappointing in a Grade 2 contest at Ascot next time but that run shouldn't be judged too harshly and he has since been purchased for 75,000 gns by his current connections. It's possible that he could improve for the switch, he's entered in two races at Cheltenham and should go close. Backstage, Patsy Finnegan and This Way have shown ability but will find easier opportunities. This has the look of a match and we'll take Sir Harry Ormesher to finish in front.
Sir Harry Ormesher 4-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, joined winner 6th, ridden after 3 out, held when hit last, 4th of 6, 3 1/2l behind Deep Purple (11-7) at Ascot 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gf in Dec.
Backstage (FR) 4-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, chased leader 3 out, ridden and led 2 out, driven and headed flat, kept on, 2nd of 6, hd behind Dhehdaah (11-12) at Leicester 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Nov.
Best Deal 200-1 (11-1) In touch, lost place approaching 5th, weakened before next, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Hold Em (11-6) at Hereford 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan, 16 ran.
Castlemaine Vic (IRE) 150-1 (11-0) Mistake and unseated rider in race won by Pasco (11-9) at Newbury 2m nov hdl (3) gs, 19 ran.
Fortyshadesofgreen (IRE) 25-1 (10-10) Mid-division, weakened from 3 out, 9th of 12, 35l behind Rapid Increase (11-9) at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft.
Patsy Finnegan 33-1 (11-4) Always mid-division, 8th of 16, 15l behind Gershwin (11-4) at Kempton 2m mdn nhf (5) sft.
The Great Alfie 7-1 (11-3) Led, headed after 1st, remained prominent until weakened 4 out, 6th of 14, 43l behind Super Formen (10-7) at Chepstow 2m nov hdl (4) hvy.
Peaceful Means (IRE) 25-1 (9-13) Tracked leaders, ridden in 9th 3 out, soon no impression, 8th of 18, 25l behind Splurge (10-3) at Limerick 2m hcp hdl 0-102 hvy in Dec.
Kia Kaha 2-1fav (10-13) Held up, headway approaching 5th, ridden to lead 2 out, headed soon after last, rallied gamely to regain lead towards finish, all out, won at Cheltenham 2m nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Nov beating Roman Villa (10-13) by a nk, 20 ran.
Master Marmalade 100-1 (10-11) Towards rear when unseated rider 3 out in race won by Runthatpastmeagain (11-4) at Wetherby 2m 3f mdn hdl (5) gs, 18 ran.
This Way (IRE) 12-1 (11-5) Towards rear, headway 4th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 15, 16l behind Beshabar (11-5) at Exeter 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
