NELSON'S CHIEF represents a yard that mops up in these races and can add to their impressive tally by scoring from Senor Alco and Allbarkanobite. Alan Swinbank is always to be respected with runners in bumpers and Nelson's Chief looks the pick of his pair. The gelding improved upon a modest debut when second at the beginning of February over this trip on similar ground. He was a little keen that day which may have been the chief reason he lost out in a head-bobbing finish, but the winner looks reasonable and the pair were clear so compensation awaits in this similar contest, particularly if he settles in the early stages. Senor Alco was third in a bumper on the Fibresand at Southwell back in January, so if he improves as expected from that a big run is on the cards. However, the form of the contest has been severely let down since and it'll be a slight surprise if he's good enough to upset the likely favourite. Again, he does look the stable first pick as Dr Flynn was a relatively cheap purchase although the market will reveal more. Allbarkanobite took third on her debut in a similar contest to this and might just be overpriced as she hails from a small yard. On form she's probably just about second best, so those looking for a value each way bet might do well to follow her. Rocks Rule is Alan Swinbank's other runner so merits respect and this nicely-bred sort should find a race in the future, but at this stage we prefer the claims of fellow newcomer Frontier Boy who should relish getting his toe in on debut. Pensnett Bay would look interesting if repeating his debut second to the decent Queen Poline but he was well held on his belated return to the track and can only be watched, so we'll return to the obvious claims of Nelson's Chief to send favourite backers home happy.
Barr Head (IRE) 5-1 (12-0) Ld til hdd 2out, sn not qckn, 4th of 11, 16l behind Simonsberg (12-0) at Tyrella 3m ire ptp in Mar.
Dr Flynn (IRE) Tikkanen gelding out of Tallaquale.
Drumgray Terimon gelding out of Scandalous Affair.
Frontier Boy (IRE) New Frontier gelding out of Mary Bridie.
Papamoa Terimon gelding out of Larksmore.
Pensnett Bay 8-1 (11-4) Held up, in rear, headway over 4f out, ridden over 3f out, outpaced over 2f out, 5th of 10, 11l behind Sir Bere (10-8) at Bangor 2m 1f NH flat (5) gs.
Rocks Rule (IRE) Oguri Cap gelding out of Waka Shirayuki.
Talkin Sence (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Pr, 2nd till 4out, wknd next, 5th of 11, 14l behind Viking Visitor (11-7) at Lisronagh 3m ire ptp in May.
Wilde Pastures (IRE) 25-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, driven and outpaced over 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f, no impression, 4th of 13, 24l behind Bridlingtonbygones (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m NH flat (5) gs in Nov.
Allbarkanobite 7-1 (10-10) Held up in rear, good headway over 3f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 3rd of 10, 4l behind Pickworth (10-10) at Catterick 2m Mares Nat Hunt Flat Race (5-6yo) (6) gs.
Bach Street Girl (IRE) 14-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, weakened well over 2f out, 7th of 10, 12l behind Pickworth (10-10) at Catterick 2m Mares Nat Hunt Flat Race (5-6yo) (6) gs.
Samaret 33-1 (9-11) Always in rear, tailed off over 3f out, last of 10, well behind Witherspoon (10-13) at Ayr 2m NH flat (6) sft in Mar.
Sweetaboutme 16-1 (10-0) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 11, 21l behind Dare Me (11-8) at Haydock 2m nhf (3) gd in Nov '08.
Triumph Of Love (IRE) 50-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, weakened over 4f out, tailed off, 9th of 11, well behind Sure Josie Sure (10-12) at Haydock 2m N H flat (5) hvy in Nov.
Nelson's Chief 8-1 (10-7) Led, hard pressed over 2f out, kept on under pressure until headed and no extra near finish, 2nd of 16, shd behind Fridaythorpe (11-0) at Wetherby 2m NH flat (6) sft.
Senor Alco (FR) 2-1 (10-7) Held up, headway 5f out, pushed along over 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Dort Tranquille (11-5) at Southwell 1m 6f NH flat (4) std in Jan.
Beyond The Mist And Beyond filly out of Rosie Mist.
