in rear, outpaced 6 out, plugged on to take 3rd place towards finish, never dangerous
tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd before 4 out, soon ridden in 3rd and well held when quickly pulled up before last
always behind, pulled up
made all, clear before 4 out, eased towards finish
tracked winner until outpaced before 4 out, regained 2nd 2 out, kept on and no chance with winner
held up mid-division, early reminder, pecked 3rd, ridden 5 out, and soon outpaced, plugged on and left 3rd before last, never dangerous
always towards rear, weakened from 7 out, pulled up
Katkeau is upped a grade off a 9lb higher mark after landing a double with a win at Ludlow in December. A hat-trick proved beyond Indian Voyage last time and he could only manage second over these fences while Sew On Target's long losing run continues despite slipping further down the weights. FRIENDLY ROYAL (NAP) has gone close on a couple of occasions since scoring at Uttoxeter in November. He's been raised a further 3lb for his latest second at Haydock but Sue Smith has sent out four of the last seven winners of this and her charge gets the nod to come good again today.
Katkeau (FR) 6-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway to chase leaders 4 out, led 2 out, jumped left last, ran on, won at Ludlow 3m hcp (3) sft in Dec beating Red Devil Lads (11-9) by 5l, 11 ran.
Rathlin 9-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, ridden 3 out, never dangerous, 7th of 11, 29 1/4l behind Indian Temple (10-6) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Jan.
Indian Voyage (IRE) 9-2 (11-9) Tracked leaders, effort 2 out, kept on same pace approaching last, 2nd of 6, 3 1/4l behind Clan William (10-0) at Wetherby 1m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Sew On Target (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Tracked leader to 11th, weakened from 3 out, 5th of 8, 33 1/4l behind Gallery Exhibition (11-9) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Renard (FR) 7-1 (11-11) Led until 10th, weakened before 4 out, 4th of 9, 22 1/4l behind Quite By Chance (11-7) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Friendly Royal (IRE) 7-4jfav (11-2) Tracked leader, led after 8th, headed next, effort 4 out, left in 2nd next, every chance after last, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 6, 1 3/4l behind Morney Wing (10-13) at Haydock 2m 5f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Mr Syntax (IRE) 5-1 (11-11) In touch, pushed along halfway, weakened before 8th, tailed off, 5th of 6, dist behind Favoured Nation (11-7) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp (4) gd in Apr.
