tracked winner until approaching 3 out, soon ridden and one pace
held up in touch, headway to track leaders after 3rd, ridden 4 out, weakened before next
held up towards rear, headway halfway, chased winner approaching 3 out, soon no chance
not fluent, struggling halfway, soon lost touch
Rocket Bleu can defy a penalty here to beat Sea Cove, with Reno one to note for the future. Rocket Bleu made a winning start to his career over timber when scoring at Carlisle in October, pushed out to win comfortably. Nicky Richards has been patient with him since the gelding picked up an injury when coming over from France, and now that he is fully recovered, Rocket Bleu can make up for lost time with a follow-up. With most of his rivals jumping hurdles for the first time, it may be that Sea Cove will provide the main danger. Malcolm Jefferson's charge was a promising fourth at Haydock on his debut over timber, but as he was only rated 47 on the Flat, should really play second fiddle to the selection. Reno was a maiden on the level but looks just the sort to make the grade over hurdles when the ground softens up, but in the meantime, as far as this race is concerned, Rocket Bleu is the one to beat.