chased leaders, chased clear pair 3 out, no impression
led, ridden approaching 2 out, headed last, rallied to lead again flat, kept on well
chased leaders, challenged 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, led last, no extra when headed flat
chased leaders until lost place and blundered 7 out, behind when mistake and unseated rider 5 out
held up, pushed along after 6th, weakened approaching 8th
held up, ridden along 8th, soon weakened
Nonrunner
Scotmail Boy is running into form and can score again, with Mumaris and June's River seen as the main dangers. Not many of these are at the top of their game at present, but Scotmail Boy at least lines up in winning form, having been successful at Sandown in December. The 11-year-old has had neck and back problems but has bounced back, and his jumping was what won him the day at the Esher track. Trainer Howard Johnson would dearly like the handicapper to put him up 30lb so that he has a chance of lining up in the Grand National, and a win here would certainly help. Mumaris has yet to win over today's distance and has not impressed with his jumping, but is not badly handicapped on his best form. June's River is another yet to be successful over two and a half miles, but can be considered a course specialist, having won three times here in all. He is back down to a winning mark and could prove dangerous. Of the rest, Ballystone will struggle off topweight, Belisario has an absence to overcome, and Curly Spencer has been found wanting at the business end of late. Stormy Beech nestles on 10 stone and should not be ruled out of trying for a place, but with form at a premium in the finale, the best chance of winning lies with Scotmail Boy.
