in touch, driven approaching 2 out, soon one pace
led until 2 out, hard ridden before last, no extra flat
settled in mid-division, headway 3 out, led next, hard ridden, stayed on strongly
chased leaders, lost place after 3 out
soon behind, weakened 8th, behind when pulled up before last
always behind
held up in touch, headway 8th, weakened 2out
took keen hold, mid-division, headway 3 out, effort before next, soon weakened
behind, headway after 3 out, never able to challenge
held up in rear, never dangerous
chased leader, hard driven and lost place approaching 2 out
Three of the previous winners may prove too strong for the rest here and of that bunch we like TRIGGERMAN ahead of Rebel Du Maquis and Flaming Charlie. Philip Hobbs had a Cheltenham to remember and his runners have remained in good heart since, strengthening the case behind his 135-rated animal. That rating is a reflection of a fine second to Alfie Sherrin in a handicap that is working out very well despite the winner's subsequent disappointment at Cheltenham and in anticipation that the experience will have brought our selection on even more he's awarded a strong vote. Rebel Du Maquis looked promising when making a winning debut for Paul Nicholls in October, but he then fell at Cheltenham in a hot contest behind the smart Tell Massini. Connections gave him plenty of time to recover from that unfortunate incident and he was well backed to make a winning return to action last time before proving disappointing at Exeter, but that run will surely have brought him on plenty and better can be expected; he's the second best here according to the official figures. Flaming Charlie brings recent winning form to the table having scored in fine style at Southwell. That was over further, but Alan King's charge travelled supremely well and should cope with the drop in trip, whilst there must be room for further improvement as that was only his second start for the yard. He's the obvious improver here but the aforementioned two hold more solid form claims and remain the pair to beat. With the other previous runner Persian Run having disappointed last time perhaps Red Mile will prove best of the rest. Emma Lavelle is a talented trainer and we can be sure she'll get the best out of this gelding who looks set to benefit for stepping up in trip, although perhaps handicaps will provide the platform for success in the future. Just Tootsie ran well in a bumper last time and should improve for taking to obstacles but this looks a decent race and easier opportunities will surely arrive further down the line, a comment that also applies to the consistent but largely exposed Chosen Native who will probably make a better chaser one day. This looks a very interesting race and it may boil down to a three-way battle; we expect Triggerman to gun down his rivals.
Persian Run (IRE) 6-1 (11-10) Mid-division, headway 5th, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, mistake 2 out, 5th of 11, 39l behind Born Again (10-13) at Fontwell 2m 2f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (4) sft in Feb.
Rebel Du Maquis (FR) 85-40fav (11-11) Chased leaders, in 4th and weakening when blundered last, 13th of 16, well behind Wishfull Thinking (11-11) at Exeter 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Triggerman 12-1 (10-11) Held up, in rear, steady headway from 3 out, chased winner last, kept on as winner idled flat, always held, 2nd of 18, 2 3/4l behind Alfie Sherrin (11-4) at Newbury 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gs in Feb.
Chosen Native (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Raced wide, held up, stayed on to dispute modest 3rd 2 out, no chance with front pair, 3rd of 12, 34l behind Sarando (11-4) at Lingfield 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb.
Dust In Time 100-1 (10-12) Mid-division on outside, headway 4th, not fluent next, weakened after 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Lord Tomnoddy (11-0) at Chepstow 3m NH mdn hdl (4) gd, 15 ran.
Just Tootsie 18-1 (10-9) Led after 1f, ridden and headed 2f out, one pace, 3rd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Sizing Santiago (10-7) at Fontwell 2m 2f NH flat (6) gd.
Musical Wedge 200-1 (10-10) Mid-division on outside, closed after 3rd, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 9, 27l behind Elevenses (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Peter Sent 8-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, weakened from 4 out, 6th of 8, well behind Presque Perdre (11-12) at Cartmel 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gs in May.
Red Mile (FR) 9-1 (11-4) Held up, towards rear, outpaced from 5th, no impression from 3 out, 5th of 16, 25l behind Wishfull Thinking (11-11) at Exeter 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Whitcombe Spirit 16-1 (10-12) In touch, joined leader 7th, lost place 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up after 2 out, in a race won by Ravenclaw (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb, 10 ran.
Businessmoney Jade 25-1 (10-1) With winner, lost place 5f out, last of 7, 28l behind Rudanphast (11-4) at Ffos Las 2m NH flat (6) gd.
Roxane Bruere (FR) 50-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 10, 30l behind Carribs Leap (11-2) at Ludlow 2m nhf (5) gd.
Flaming Charlie (IRE) 11-2 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 9th, disputed lead 2 out and going well, soon drew clear, easily, won at Southwell 3m mdn hdl (4) gs in Feb beating Dermatologiste (10-8) by 4 1/2l, 13 ran.
