chased leaders, hit 6th, every chance 3 out, soon ridden and weakened
always behind, weakened approaching 9th
prominent, led 5 out, ridden approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, no extra
always behind
in touch when fell 5th
with leaders, led 2nd, headed 5 out, ridden and weakened 3 out
held up in touch, headway after 9th, challenging when pecked 2 out, led on bit approaching last, easily
led to 2nd, tracked leaders until lost place after 5th
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
A cracking hunter chase here and many would have chances on their old form but the principals look to be Folly Pleasant, Sikander A Azam and Silence Reigns and the tentative vote is given to Folly Pleasant. The selection was a fair sort under rules at his best and was very impressive winner on his first run of the season in a point to point. Granted this is tougher but at least he is race fit and he will be hard to beat. Sikander A Azam rates the main danger he had solid form in this sphere last season and his latest second behind Placid Man would give him definite place claims in this race but he may just need the run after a 279 absence and for that reason he is opposed. Silence Reigns is another worthy of respect on his best form but he continues to be beset by jumping problems and at likely odds he looks worth taking on.Of the remainder Fiori is dropping in grade and represents a shrewd yard so is worth a cautionary glance in the market but for the winner we return to the race fit Folly Pleasant.
Cassia Green 9-2 won at Barbury Castle 3m ptp gd in Jan beating Norski Lad by 15l, 10 ran.
Fiori 4-1 Tracked leader, ridden to lead approaching 3 out, no extra when headed flat, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Tacolino at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (C) gf in Jun '03.
Foly Pleasant (FR) 5-2fav won at Weston Park 3m ptp gs in Jan beating Quality First by 2l, 16 ran.
Scotmail Lad (IRE) 7-2 2nd of 9, 11l behind Gola Cher at Market Rasen 3m ptp gd in Jan.
Silence Reigns 9-2 In rear when unseated rider at the 11th in race won by Colquhoun at Stratford 3m hts chs (H) gf in May, 10 ran.
Royal Jake (IRE) 14-1 Prominent, 4th to halfway, 6th 5 out, no extra after 4 out, 6th of 13, 32l behind Torduff Boy at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp chs gs in May '03.
Sikander A Azam 5-6fav Held up in touch, headway 10th, chased winner 13th, ridden 2 out, one pace flat, 2nd of 8, 3l behind Placid Man at Warwick 2m 4f hts chs (H) gd in May.
Gatsby (IRE) 11-2 Held up, hampered 1st and 8th, chased leaders 4 out, led over 2 out, ran on, won at Huntingdon 3m nov hts chs (H) sft in Feb '04 beating Mighty Willing by 7l, 17 ran.
