tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, led flat, kept on
tracked leader, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened soon after
keen, in touch, weakened 3 out
held up, mistakes 3rd and 4th, soon tailed off, pulled up before 2 out
in rear, pulled up and dismounted after 4th
towards rear, headway 3 out, ridden 2 out, weakened approaching last
tracked leaders throughout, ridden and one pace from 2 out
tracked leaders, weakened 3 out
held up, headway 3 out, led on bit approaching last, mistake, soon headed, no extra
always in rear, tailed off 5th
led, clear 4th, ridden 2 out, headed approaching last
mid-division, weakening when mistake 4th, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, plugged on
keen in mid-division, lost place 2 out
Nonrunner
The market may help with the shape of this race with the claims of a number of the runners difficult to quantify. German raider SOMETHING STUPID is the nominal choice as it looks worth taking on Beat The System and Prince Sabaah. It's interesting that the latter has been kept to this company rather than being sent handicapping and he does have form claims but has yet to convince. Beat The System looked in need of further over course and distance last time but this race appears to be weaker and that may compensate. David Pipe saddles three and Prince Geeno may be the most interesting having contested the Cheltenham bumper for his previous connections. However, the fact that he made his hurdling debut over three miles makes him difficult to recommend over the minimum until he shows a little more. St Killian's Run has been well beaten over further on both starts so couldn't be a confident choice which is why we're prepared to take a chance with Mario Hofer's runner. The trainer has enjoyed some success with his raiders in the past and he may have another winner with Something Stupid.
Ajzal (IRE) 50-1 (11-1) Mid-division, jumped right 1st and 2nd, pushed along approaching 3 out, no headway, weakened approaching 2 out, 8th of 12, 31l behind Kilvergan Boy (11-4) at Towcester 2m nov hdl (3) sft in Jan.
Beat The System 8-1 (10-13) Prominent, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out, 4th of 10, 16l behind James de Vassy (10-7) at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Cnidos 150-1 (10-12) In touch, mistake 1st, lost place approaching 5th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Sunsetten (10-5) at Ludlow 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Nov, 12 ran.
Hot Choc (IRE) 50-1 (11-0) Held up, always in rear, 14th of 17, 36l behind According To Dick (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m nhf (4) gd in Oct.
How's Things 50-1 (8-12) Tracked leader until 4f out, soon well behind, last of 12, well behind Desert Leader (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Nov '05 (Flat).
Prince Geeno (IRE) 10-1 (11-6) In rear, weakened 4 out and pulled up 2 out in race won by Jaunty Journey (11-3) at Chepstow 3m mdn hdl (5) hvy in Jan, 13 ran.
Prince Sabaah (IRE) 9-2 (11-3) Tracked leaders, jumped slowly 1st, ridden and weakened 4 out, 4th of 14, 19l behind Bella Haze (10-3) at Chepstow 2m mdn hdl (5) hvy in Feb.
Quondor Noire (FR) 100-1 (11-2) In touch, ridden and weakened after 3 out, last of 9, well behind Ronaldo Des Mottes (10-12) at Sandown 2m nov hdl (3) sft in Feb.
St Killian's Run (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Raced keenly, held up, headway 5th, led after 7th, ran green, ridden and headed after 3 out, soon weakened, 6th of 12, 44l behind Alfie Sherrin (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gd in Feb.
The Accordionist (IRE) 25-1 (10-9) Towards rear, some progress after 7th, weakened 4 out, 11th of 14, well behind Michel Le Bon (10-12) at Chepstow 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Well Done You (IRE) 33-1 (11-2) Always towards rear, weakened after 5th, tailed off when pulled up in race won by Nictory Vote (11-0) at Taunton 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Feb, 12 ran.
Never Lost 16-1 (11-0) Led, mistake 1st, headed 3rd, ridden 6th, soon weakened, well behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Quaspia (11-0) at Plumpton 2m mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb, 7 ran.
Princess Teddy (IRE) 16-1 (8-10) Close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 13, 6l behind Prince Rossi (8-9) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Feb (Flat).
Ben Ami 33-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway approaching 4th, weakened before 3 out, 7th of 11, 30l behind Elk Trail (11-5) at Warwick 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Something Stupid (GER) (9-2) behind Bal De Noor (8-4) at Longchamp 1m 1f gd in Oct, 13 ran (Flat).
Bite The Boss 12-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, mistake 2nd, reminders after 4th, weakened approaching 3 out, 9th of 11, 47l behind Elk Trail (11-5) at Warwick 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Petito (IRE) 150-1 (10-0) Mistake 1st, raced wide and always in rear, tailed off, 13th of 14, well behind Serabad (10-10) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp hdl (2) hvy in Feb.
