held up in last pair, not fluent 3rd, headway tracking leading trio after 4th, pushed along on bend before 2 out, quickened between horses to lead before last, stayed on well run-in, ridden out
chased leaders, hit 2nd and pushed along, lost place after 4th, last pair, jumped slowly and in rear next, tailed off 3 out
pressed leader, slight lead approaching 4th, mistake 6th, headeed before 2 out, chased leader until between last two, no extra in 4th approaching the last
took keen hold, held up in rear, no chance when hit 2 out, modest 5th soon after
took keen hold tracking leaders, pushed along and plugged on before 2 out, one pace in 3rd before last
took keen hold tracking leaders on inside, slightly lost place after 7th, rallied 3 out, weakened before next
slight lead until approaching 4th, chased leader, ridden to lead again before 2 out, headed approaching the last, ridden and kept on same pace run-in
Some promising types are on display in this. Remind Me Later and Lessons In Milan are both winning pointers, as is Bally Beaufort who was a fair third over course and distance last month and looks to be improving under Rules. Javert is sure to improve on his run over an inadequate trip at Exeter but OUT SAM is likely to be a hot favourite. All three of those he beat at Newbury in November on his hurdling debut have won since with third Tea For Two turning the Lanzarote into a procession at Kempton only last week. An Poc Ar Buile looks exposed and Catterick second The Boss's Dream will find easier opportunities in the future.
Out Sam 3-1 (10-12) Held up on inside tracking leading pair, challenged 2 out, led last, quickened clear run-in, won at Newbury 2m 5f nh nov hdl (3) sft in Nov beating Thomas Brown (11-6) by 3l, 4 ran.
An Poc Ar Buile (IRE) 8-1 (10-10) With leader until blundered and unseated rider 3rd, in a race won by Join The Clan (10-2) at Warwick 3m 2f hcp hdl (2) sft, 11 ran.
Bally Beaufort (IRE) 9-1 (11-0) Led, ridden and joined on both sides when narrowly headed between last 2, rallied to dispute lead approaching the last, driven and strongly pressed run-in, headed and no extra last 150 yards, 2nd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Desilvano (11-0) at Ascot 2m 6f NH mdn hdl (3) sft in Dec.
Javert (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, jumped left, headway after 4 out, went 4th before 3 out, never on terms with leaders, 4th of 8, 23l behind Thomas Brown (10-12) at Exeter 2m 5f nov hdl (3) gs in Nov.
Lessons In Milan (IRE) 6-4 (12-0) Ww rr, prog 7th, 3rd 1/2way, jn ldr 5out, left 2l clr 4out, jnd 2out, gd jump last, qcknd well flat, won at Tinahely 3m ire ptp gd in Mar '13 beating Dream Flyer (12-0) by 1l, 10 ran.
Remind Me Later (IRE) 5-2 (11-7) Held up; went 2nd 11; led 15; ro wl, won at Cambridgeshire with Enfield Chac 3m ptp gd in May beating Wila (11-7) by 3l, 10 ran.
The Boss's Dream (IRE) 11-4 (10-12) Led, driven after 3 out, ridden after next, joined last, headed narrowly flat, kept on, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 3, 2 1/4l behind Racing Europe (10-12) at Catterick 3m 1f nov hdl (4) gs.
