prominent, led 6th, stumbled 3 out, soon headed, no impression after
raced keen, led from 2nd until 6th, lost place 4 out
held up, headway 11th, led after 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last, no chance with winner
held up, headway 11th, ridden to lead approaching last, stayed on well
held up in rear, hit 5th, headway 11th, went 2nd after 4 out, weakened after 2 out
chased leaders, weakened from 3 out
chased leaders, outpaced when blundered and unseated rider 9th
jumped right throughout, led 2nd, weakened from 11th
in touch and keen, joined leaders 10th, outpaced approaching 3 out, stayed on from last
held up, effort 4 out, never dangerous
An intriguing beginners chase can go to Nicky Richards' Faasel, with Bougoure, Euro American and Kenucky Blue looking best of the rest. The last-named represents a stable doing well with a small number of runners this winter, and he has had two good runs over fences so far. As a hurdler he was usually consistent if unspectacular and if the same gos for his chasing career, then he looks booked for more place money, especially as he has the advantage of winning course form. Bougoure was a decent hurdler but struggled on ground with give in and so must be passed over today, despite two promising runs over the larger obstacles in recent months. Euro American made a very pleasing start to his chasing career when third to Numero Un De Solzen at Newcastle, and he should come on for that run. The drop back in trip should help as he was very effective over this sort of trip over hurdles (where he was rated 134), and so he must have leading claims. However we will take him on with Faasel who has the beating of him on hurdles form, and this doesn't look the strongest of races for his chase debut. His stable are in good form at present, hitting the frame with most of their runners, and with the ground to his liking today, he must have every chance of making his chase debut a winning one.
Bougoure (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, ridden after 11th, weakening when fell 5 out in race won by Afrad (11-4) at Chepstow 2m 3f beg chs (4) sft in Dec, 10 ran.
Dashing Charm 80-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, blundered 1st, behind from 11th tailed off, 4th of 5, well behind Passenger Omar (11-3) at Warwick 3m 2f beg chs (4) hvy in Dec.
Euro American (GER) 8-1 (11-4) In touch, effort approaching 4 out, soon one pace, 3rd of 5, 12l behind Numero Un de Solzen (11-1) at Newcastle 3m nov chs (3) sft.
Faasel (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Held up, headway 4 out, effort on inside next, soon outpaced, 5th of 9, 18l behind Straw Bear (11-7) at Newcastle 2m hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Nov.
Kentucky Blue (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Held up, headway 8th, chased winner approaching 4 out, outpaced before last, 3rd of 5, 7l behind Regal Heights (10-13) at Newcastle 2m beg chs (4) sft.
Love That Benny (USA) 9-1 (11-4) Tracked winner, lost place 4 out, soon weakened, 5th of 13, 33l behind Echo Point (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Zibeline (IRE) 14-1 (11-1) Mid-division, headway 9th, chased winner 4 out, ridden next, kept on same pace, 3rd of 13, 22l behind Echo Point (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Auntie Kathleen 16-1 (10-8) Mid-division, outpaced 3 out, never on terms, 4th of 13, 26l behind Echo Point (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
