made all, 4 lengths clear last, ran on well
took keen hold, held up in touch towards rear, closed from 9th, outpaced by leaders before 3 out, lost 3rd and no extra 2 out
handy, took keen hold, jumped left 3rd, shaken up after 3 out, driven and no impression on winner when jumped left last, kept on
handy on outside, outpaced after 4 out, not fluent 3 out, went modest 3rd next
held up in rear, blundered and unseated rider 7th
tracked leaders, lost place 10th, well beaten 4 out
This was won by a 1/4 chance 12 months ago and TWO TAFFS is likely to be a similar short price. Dan Skelton’s novice was giving the winner 13lb when second last time in a handicap at Kempton and that is easily the best form on offer. Irish raider Aminabad is not really getting any closer and is rated 7lb inferior to the selection. Cactus Valley has not impressed over hurdles since returning from a break while Newberry New, a Grade 3 winner over hurdles, has not set the world alight in three runs over the larger obstacles at Wetherby.
Aminabad (FR) 33-1 (10-12) Towards rear, effort before 4 out, never dangerous, 4th of 6, 14 3/4l behind Starchitect (10-12) at Ayr 2m (4) hvy in Jan.
Cactus Valley (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) In rear, effort and edged left before 3 out, mistake and no extra 2 out, 6th of 9, 14 3/4l behind Lift The Lid (11-8) at Wetherby 2m hcp (4) gs in Dec.
Two Taffs (IRE) 6-1 (11-6) Held up in touch, steady headway in 4th approaching 10th, 3rd going well approaching 3 out, went 2nd before 2 out, driven before the last, kept on same pace run-in, 2nd of 7, 2 3/4l behind Poker School (10-7) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Dec.
Newberry New (IRE) 20-1 (11-8) In rear, blundered 5th, pushed along 10th, soon weakened, 7th of 10, 35 1/4l behind Special Wells (11-10) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp (4) gs in Jan.
Chasma 5-1 (11-8) Mid-division, headway after 4 out, one pace in 3rd from 2 out, 4th of 11, 24l behind Bako De La Saulaie (12-2) at Wetherby 3m hcp (5) gs in Dec.
Sweet Belle 66-1 (10-7) Held up, ridden and weakened 3 out, tailed off, 6th of 8, dist behind Thumb Stone Blues (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 5f mdn (4) gs in Dec.