led to 5th, stayed 6th, led again 8th, headed 11th, led again after 5 out, held on well, all out
held up in touch, effort approaching 4 out, ridden next, stayed on well from last
held up, went prominent 8th, blundered 5 out, one pace from 3 out
in rear, reminders 9th, weakened approaching 4 out, jumped badly right next
prominent, reminders 9th, weakened from 12th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up in touch, fell 4th
chased leader, led 5th, headed 8th, lost place from 10th
chased leader, weakened approaching 5 out
held up, chased leaders 9th, led 11th, headed after 5 out, ridden next, went 2nd last, kept on
This is a valuable and interesting contest, with the shortlisted three being Jungle Jinks, Great As Gold and Wildfield Rufo, with the vote going to Great As Gold. Kerry Lads won well over course and distance in January and is not ruled out from a four-pounds higher mark today. King Killone rates as an interesting novice who could yet be favourably weighted. Red Striker was a high-class chaser four years ago and showed that he retained ability with a hunter chase win last time and rates as an interesting runner back under Rules. Given his tendency to idle in front, Great As Gold is the type of horse that should keep on improving and a visor will help in keeping him focussed too, while Jungle Jinks is just a pound above his January course-and-disatnce winning mark, and you can build a case for his chances based on that run. Kausse de Thaix looked very promising earlier in the season and, much as the bubble has burst lately, first-time blinkers could show him in a much-better light today. Sharp Belline was behind Jungle Jinks over course and distance in January and appears to have something to prove from his current chasing rating, although that's a dangerous thing to say about a Sue Smith runner in this type of event, while Miss Mattie Ross needs a career-best effort in order to score, but course and distance winner Wildfield Rufo is edging back towards a winning mark, has won over course and distance, and the only time he raced previously in cheekpieces, he won. As you would expect for the money, it looks like a competitive event, with, once again, our selection being Great As Gold.
Kerry Lads (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) With leaders, blundered 18th, ridden and weakened 3 out, 6th of 17, well behind Philson Run (11-6) at Newcastle 4m 1f hcp chs (2) hvy in Feb.
King Killone (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) In touch, joined leader 11th, led 4 out, ridden 2 out, hard pressed when left alone last, won at Newcastle 3m nov chs (2) hvy in Feb beating Wild Cane Ridge (11-12) by a , 5 ran.
Red Striker 4-9fav (11-9) Led after 1st, blundered 10th, led approaching 3 out, all out, won at Ayr 3m 1f hts chs (6) sft in Feb beating Boardsmill Rambler (12-0) by 1l, 5 ran.
Great As Gold (IRE) 15-8fav (11-2) In touch, rider lost iron 9th, led 2 out, driven out, won at Carlisle 2m 4f beg chs (4) hvy beating Henry's Pride (10-11) by 1l, 8 ran.
Jungle Jinks (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Prominent, lost place and reminder after 9th, headway 11th, weakened 12th, 5th of 7, 40l behind King Bee (10-10) at Haydock 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy in Feb.
Kausse de Thaix (FR) 11-2 (11-2) Chased winner, led 5th, soon reminders, headed 4 out, weakened quickly 2 out, 3rd of 8, 26l behind Fox In The Box (10-11) at Chepstow 3m 2f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Feb.
Sharp Belline (IRE) 3-1 (10-5) Led to 4th, remained with leaders, reminders after 11th, struggling from 5 out, 4th of 5, 18l behind Jungle Jinks (10-5) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Jan.
Wildfield Rufo (IRE) 12-1 (11-7) Held up mid-division, pushed along and outpaced 13th, ridden and headway approaching 4 out, stayed on from next, no impression, 3rd of 10, 17l behind Briar's Mist (10-5) at Newcastle 3m 6f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Jan.
