in touch, went 2nd from 5 out until no extra from last
towards rear, outpaced before 11th, in 4th from 4 out, no impression when blundered 2 out
in rear, jumped slow 8th, outpaced before 11th
tracked winner until 5th, chased winner from last, no impression
made all, not fluent 3rd, clear from 4 out, easily
tracked leaders, chased winner from 5th until 5 out, soon weakened, mistake and unseated rider 2 out
Boss Des Mottes won a novices' handicap at Worcester last summer and shot up the weights. He's been racing at a slightly higher level and gradually coming down to a more reasonable mark. Nine Altars was just outpaced in a better race than this on good ground here in January but disappointed in softer conditions at Carlisle so wouldn't want any more rain. Bonnet's Vino, three times a winner over hurdles, has taken well to fences and gained his second victory in very easy fashion at Fakenham. He's up in the weights but still looks the main threat to NOMOREBLACKJACK (NAP). Sue Smith's charge is progressing fast judging by a facile victory over the track and trip last week and a 7lb penalty is unlikely to prevent a quick follow-up.
Nine Altars (IRE) 11-4 (11-8) Chased leaders, one pace and no impression from 4 out, lost 3rd 2 out, 4th of 7, 16l behind Freddies Portrait (10-10) at Carlisle 2m hcp (4) sft in Feb.
Boss Des Mottes (FR) 9-1 (11-4) Took keen hold, tracked leader, not fluent 4th, outpaced after 4 out, edged left and no extra before last, 6th of 7, 13l behind Herons Heir (11-8) at Catterick 2m hcp (3) gs in Jan.
Bonnet's Vino 22-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, jumped right throughout, led just after 2 out, stayed on well, won at Fakenham 2m 5f (4) gs in Feb beating Omessa Has (10-3) by 17l, 4 ran.
Leanna Ban 28-1 (11-12) Always behind, tailed off 9th, soon pulled up, at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Nomoreblackjack (IRE) 7-4fav (11-7) Tracked leader, led from 2nd, clear from 4 out, easily, won at Catterick 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Feb beating Kilronan Castle (11-11) by 13l, 7 ran.
Should I Stay (FR) 25-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, slow 10th, under pressure 12th, weakened 5 out, behind when pulled up before 3 out, at Market Rasen 3m hcp (5) sft in Feb.