chased winner, challenging when fell heavily 3 out
raced freely, led, clear 1st circuit, ridden and headed after 3 out, held when left well clear 2 out
tracked leaders, never particularly fluent, reminders after 6th, hit 17th, left 2nd 3 out, led soon after, 2 lengths and in command when fell 2 out
disputed distant 4th from 9th, hit 12th and 4 out, left remote 3rd 2 out
disputed distant 4th from 9th, left remote 2nd 2 out
BUCK THE LEGEND is preferred to Lodge Lane and Seymour Weld. The selection comes here on the back on a non-completion at Aintree in the Topham. It may be that he didn't take to the fences but he does have plenty of ability and we fancy him to bounce back to the form of his Novice wins at the end of last year. Seymour Weld has been in good form of late but this is a different track to his second home Market Rasen and despite a progressive profile we are happy enough to take him on. Lodge Lane looks a major player but he seemed to stop quite quickly last time out at Lingfield. Although the blinkers seemed to have a positive effect, it is hard to be confident about his chances having never excelled in three runs at this track. Elbow Lane and Roseville look to be making up the numbers but seeing as prize money is paid to fifth they have every right to contest this race. Buck The Legend is no sure thing but he can bounce back to form with a win.
Buck The Legend (IRE) 25-1 (10-6) Towards rear, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up before 13th (Valentines), in a race won by Irish Raptor (10-0) at Aintree 2m 5f hcp chs (2) gd, 29 ran.
Seymour Weld 11-8fav (11-5) Led, left alone after 1st, won at Market Rasen 3m 1f nov stks (3) gd, 4 ran.
Lodge Lane (IRE) 11-4 (11-1) With leader, hit 6th, led 12th, clear advantage 3 out, fading when headed last, 2nd of 8, 1 1/4l behind Russian Around (10-12) at Lingfield 3m nov stks (3) gd in Mar.
Elbow Lane (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) With winner, led 2nd until after 4th, remained prominent, ridden and weakened after 4 out, took moderate 3rd flat, 3rd of 5, 16l behind Lightning Strike (11-5) at Leicester 2m 7f nov chs (3) gd in Feb.
Roseville (IRE) 40-1 (9-11) Towards rear, ridden and lost place 8th, mistake next, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Battlefield (10-12) at Hereford 2m 3f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd, 10 ran.
