in touch, ridden 6 out, driven and weakened from next
mid-division, ridden approaching 4 out, hard ridden and lost 2nd near line
in touch, blundered badly 5th, ridden and weakened 5 out
held up in touch when fell 8th
led, headed 5th, close up until weakened 9th, tailed off
held up, headway to dispute lead 10th, ridden 2 out, soon driven and weakened
prominent and keen, led 5th, stayed on strongly from 2 out
held up, headway 4 out, ridden 3 out, hard ridden to take 2nd near line
A tough finale can go the way of MANOUBI, who may have the most to fear from Teenando and Honour¿s Dream. It will be a long trip to Carlisle for the last named and, as he loves to get his toe in, the ground conditions will be a big help in making the journey worthwhile for Tom George's charge. Stamina for the actual distance of the race is a slight concern, though. Teenando is a course and distance winner, so has no doubts on that score. However, he looks weighted to the limit at present and, therefore, has a bit to prove. Of the others: Lago was clobbered by the handicapper after winning here in December and was very disappointing last time out, while Red Scally, Mango Chief and (even) Chickapeakray have also failed to shine of late and a bit of strong faith would be required to wholeheartedly recommend any of them. Therefore, as Manoubi has at least strung together a series of consistent performances, he gets the nod on this occasion. The undulating course and state of the ground are not expected to be a hindrance and, considering Manoubi has won off 105 in the past, his current rating of 93 will be blown out of the water if he can recapture his old sparkle.
Chickapeakray 11-2 (10-11) In touch, mistake 6th, ridden and lost place next, behind from 13th and pulled up 4 out in race won by Pretty Star (11-0) at Ludlow 3m amt hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Jan, 11 ran.
Honour's Dream (FR) 9-1 (11-8) In touch, ridden approaching 3 out, went 2nd last, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Mr Big (10-7) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy in Jan.
Mandingo Chief (IRE) 50-1 (10-4) Slight lead 2nd until next, stayed prominent, weakening when blundered 9th, 10th of 16, 37l behind I'm The Decider (11-3) at Ludlow 3m amt hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Jan.
Lago 8-1 (10-10) Tracked leaders, weakened when hit 9th and pulled up 2 out in race won by Sammy Spiderman (10-4) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy in Jan, 7 ran.
Flaming Heck 33-1 (10-1) Chased leader, ridden 4 out, weakened between last 2, 9th of 14, 33l behind Kempski (11-5) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Jan.
Red Scally 16-1 (11-7) Held up mid-division, weakened approaching 11th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Even Flo (10-6) at Southwell 2m 5f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in May, 14 ran.
Teenando (IRE) 3-1fav (10-12) Close up, every chance when blundered 3 out, chased winner next, lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 9, 13l behind Lago (10-6) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy in Dec.
Manoubi 15-2 (10-12) Held up, headway 11th, kept on from 3f out, 3rd of 10, 17l behind Panama At Once (10-6) at Newcastle 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy in Jan.
