with winner, mistake 12th, lost place approaching 5 out
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, one pace from 3 out
made all, left clear 4 out, kept on well
chased leaders, 2 lengths down in 2nd and going well when fell 4 out
held up in touch, weakened approaching 5 out, pulled up before next
held up and mistakes, headway when badly hampered 4 out, ridden next, not fluent last, stayed on flat
held up in rear, steady headway approaching 10th, ridden to chase leader 4 out, chased winner approaching last, no impression
Several have claims here including the progressive Harrovian, last time out winners Cordilla and Has Scored, plus the much improved Tregastel but the vote goes to Gangsters R Us. The selection has had plenty of chances this term but has been running while the Alan Parker stable has been out of form. Now that the yard is back among the winners it would come as no surprise to see the nine-year-old step up on previous efforts and he is taken to break his duck for the season. Harrovian has done little wrong of late and has to be respected but gave the impression last time that the handicapper may now have his measure and of more interest may be Cordilla. The Nicky Richards-trained gelding remains unexposed as a chaser but needs to brush up his jumping if he is to beat some more accomplished performers. Tregastel has shown improved form of late but would probably want a softer surface, while Has Scored has more ot do than when winning a beginners' chase at Catterick last time. Jungle Jinks and Jungle Jinks both have claims on their best form but preference is for Gangsters R Us, who is taken to open his account for the season now that his stable is back among the winners.
Jungle Jinks (IRE) 14-1 Alwlays behind, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Whereareyounow at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp chs (B) sft in Feb, 14 ran.
Harrovian 15-8fav Held up in rear, headway halfway, chased winner when not fluent 2 out, one pace flat, 4th of 12, 4 1/2l behind King's Bounty at Kelso 2m 6f hcp chs 0-130 (C) gd in Feb.
Kerry Lads (IRE) 9-2 With leader until 7th, ridden and mistake 3 out, weakened and mistake next, 7th of 14, 34l behind Florida Dream at Haydock 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) hvy in Dec.
Cordilla (IRE) 11-8fav Held up in touch, blundered 9th, went 2nd 5 out, led 3 out, not fluent next, kept on well, won at Ayr 2m 4f beg chs (E) gs in Jan beating Oliverjohn by 10l, 6 ran.
Tregastel (FR) 3-1 Led, ridden and headed 2 out, soon no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 9l behind Uncle Wallace at Kempton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (C) sft in Feb.
Has Scored (IRE) 8-1 Tracked leaders and keen, led 15th, ridden approaching last, kept on well from last, won at Catterick 3m 1f beg chs (E) gd in Jan beating Rare Society by 9l, 6 ran.
Gangsters R Us (IRE) 9-4 Held up, ridden and kept on from 3 out, no extra flat, 3rd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Place Above at Musselburgh 3m cnd hcp chs 0-100 (F) gd in Jan.