held up, in touch, took closer order 4 out, soon ridden, weakened when hit 3 out
tracked leader, pushed along after 4 out, ridden approaching 3 out, led run-in, driven out
held up, chased leaders after 4 out, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, pulled up after 2 out
tracked leaders and keen, ridden after 7th, soon lost place, pulled up before 3 out
led, soon clear until 4th, not fluent next, ridden approaching 3 out, headed run-in, stayed on
always behind, weakened from 7th
The vote here goes to Vocative ahead of Network Oscar. Much as Vocative has never raced beyond two miles, she hails from a very astute yard who would surely not be trying her over today's distance if they felt it was going to be a wasted experience. As such, in a modest event, this soft-ground Haydock winner might be worth taking a chance on. Sotovik has not quite built on last year's promise this time around, while Kirkside Pleasure is very closely weighted with him based on a recent course and distance meeting. Reap The Reward has yet to justify his 31,000 euros price tag but, stepping up in trip today and with his stable back in form, he cannot be ruled out. Network Oscar's best run has come on his only try at this trip, so he has to be given a shout, while Roschal has won from a 12-pounds higher mark over fences so has to be considered, although he has yet to fully prove he stays this trip under these conditions. Once again, the selection is Vocative.
Sotovik (IRE) 9-1 (10-5) Held up, chased winner approaching 3 out, no impression, 2nd of 11, 25l behind Money Trix (11-4) at Ayr 3m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Kirkside Pleasure (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, chased leaders 7th, in 3rd and beat when mistake 3 out, 3rd of 11, 27l behind Money Trix (11-4) at Ayr 3m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Reap The Reward (IRE) 33-1 (10-9) Behind, kept on from 2 out, never nearer, 10th of 18, 23l behind Fier Normand (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (E) hvy in Dec.
Network Oscar (IRE) 9-1 (10-6) Mid-division, weakened after 5th, tailed off and pulled up 2 out in race won by Billyandi (11-2) at Haydock 2m nov hcp hdl (3) hvy in Feb, 10 ran.
Roschal (IRE) 11-2 (11-0) Held up, ridden along from 9th, stayed on from 4 out, no impression, 3rd of 11, 21l behind Bob The Builder (11-3) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Jan.
Vocative (GER) 11-1 (10-7) Always towards rear, weakened from 5th, tailed off, 6th of 13, well behind Shamayoun (10-12) at Southwell 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
