LA VATICANE comes out best at the weights and has a recent comeback run under her belt, finishing second in Listed company at Market Rasen. David Pipe’s charge finished ahead of the re-opposing Kalane, who was over three lengths behind, and should have the measure of Kilronan High. The latter won a handicap at Hereford last month but the remainder look up against it on these terms with St Gregory making most appeal having won over fences in the past and showing progressive form over hurdles more recently.
Asuncion (FR) 4-1 (10-0) Jinked left start, soon led, stumbled 1st, headed 2nd, chased leader, led again 4th until 8th, chased leader until after 8th, weakened approaching 4 out, behind and no chance when hampered 4 out, 5th of 6, 29 1/2l behind Lake Chapala (10-12) at Musselburgh 2m hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Detour Ahead 16-1 (11-7) Held up mid-division, headway to track leaders before 6 out, weakened from 4 out, 6th of 10, dist behind Definite Ridge (11-4) at Cartmel 3m 1f hcp (5) gd in Jul.
Kalane (IRE) 9-1 (11-0) In touch, in rear, headway to 3rd 4 out, ridden next, no impression, lost 3rd flat, 4th of 6, 8 1/4l behind Desert Queen (11-0) at Market Rasen 3m lst (1) gd in Nov.
Kilronan High (IRE) 7-4fav (11-12) Made all, asserted on last bend, stayed on well, won at Hereford 2m 5f Grp 1 hcp (3) gd in Oct beating Aces Over Eights (10-5) by 3 1/2l, 4 ran.
La Vaticane (FR) 9-4fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, chased winner 6th, closed 13th, ridden and every chance when pecked on landing 2 out, effort when hampered and bumped by winner at last, not recover, 2nd of 6, 5l behind Desert Queen (11-0) at Market Rasen 3m lst (1) gd in Nov.
Mrsrobin (IRE) 7-4fav (10-12) Led to before 3 out, ridden before 2 out, weakened before last, last of 4, 26 1/2l behind Ballydague Lady (11-6) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
St Gregory (IRE) 7-2jfav (11-5) Chased leaders, pushed along from 6th, led before and not fluent 3 out, soon headed, rallied to lead again after last, hard ridden, all out, won at Newcastle 3m hcp (4) gs in Nov beating Onwiththeparty (10-12) by 1l, 12 ran.
