tracked leaders, outpaced 8th, headway 10th, left 9 lengths down 2nd 5 out and hampered, blundered next, 2 lengths down when hit last, kept on
jumped right and mistakes, tracked leader, up sides leader when fell 5 out
in rear, outpaced from 8th, 6 lengths down and staying on when left in lead 5 out, hit 3 out, 2 lengths up when hit last, driven out
led, joined when fell 5 out
A small field and this looks a good opportunity for BLEAK HOUSE to cheer punters up. Howard Johnson's half-brother to The Duke's Speech made a pleasing start to his chasing career when chasing home Tarotino at Doncaster. This is the furthest North that he's been but the flat track should suit and he is taken to break the Dedlock. Bad Day Bad Day is a well-known notion but the horse is less-well-known. He is one of two Jimmy Lambe runners in the line-up and having some decent hurdling form to his name, he is not to be overlooked tackling fences for the first time. Netherley was not disgraced on his recent comeback but this lightly-raced ten-year-old has not stood much racing. Connections have been patient with him but at ten years of age his best days may be behind him. Not a strong race, and Bleak House is confidently selected.
Bad Day Bad Day 20-1 (11-2) Towards rear when fell at the 4th in race won by Ninetieth Minute (11-2) at Fairyhouse 2m 2f hdl hvy in Dec, 13 ran.
Bleak House (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) In rear, blundered 9th, outpaced 3 out, kept on to take 2nd near finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 12l behind Tarotino (11-0) at Doncaster 2m 3f nov chs (3) gd in Feb.
General Stone Hill (IRE) 25-1 (10-13) Always towards rear, 17th of 19, well behind Ifyoucouldseemenow (10-10) at Down Royal 2m 4f mdn hdl sft in Dec.
Netherley (FR) 10-1 (10-13) Led, headed after 3rd, close up, every chance 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 5th of 11, 21l behind Skippers Brig (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov chs (3) hvy in Dec.
