tracked leaders, outpaced from 3 out
in rear and in touch, went 2nd before 2 out, kept on and no chance with winner
led, headed after 3rd, led before 2 out, soon clear, easily
with leader, led after 3rd, pushed along before 2 out, soon weakened
Only a pound separates RHAEGAR and Criq Rock on official ratings but Alan King’s charge hasn’t raced since May, when placed for the fourth time in five starts over timber. Kim Bailey’s runner was forced to settle for a share of the spoils at Chepstow last time but, as that was a conditionals’ race, he can run here without a penalty so looks the one to be on. Dashing Perk shouldn’t be ignored as he had decent bumper form and was second at Chepstow before falling in better company at Cheltenham but it’s hard to make a case for Big Time Frank.
Big Time Frank (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Chased leaders on outside, lost place slightly after 5th, rallied before next, weakened after 4 out, 6th of 9, dist behind Polydora (11-4) at Exeter 2m 7f (4) sft in Dec.
Criq Rock (FR) 7-4fav (10-13) Held up in rear, tracked leading pair before 3 out, went 2nd before next, outpaced between last 2, no chance after, 2nd of 4, 8l behind Follow The Bear (10-13) at Kempton 3m (4) gd in May.
Dashing Perk 11-2 (10-12) Held up in touch on outside, outpaced in 4th before 3 out, weakened next, tailed off when pulled up before last, at Cheltenham 3m (3) gd in Oct.
Rhaegar (IRE) 10-11fav (10-12) Held up mid-division, led from 4 out, soon hard pressed, kept on under pressure from last, joined on line, won at Chepstow 3m (4) hvy in Dec beating Bill And Barn (10-12), 9 ran.
