tracked leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, one pace when mistake 2 out, no extra flat
prominent, slow 1st, led after 6th, hit 10th, headed after 11th, mistake and weakened 3 out, mistake 2 out
held up on outside, headway 8th, lost place after next, behind 4 out, rallied 2 out, disputing 2nd from last until no extra towards finish
held up, pecked 1st, slow 6th, headway before 4 out, narrow 2nd from 2 out, no impression on winner flat, kept on
made most until after 6th, led after 11th, soon headed, led 3 out, not fluent 2 out, clear flat, stayed on
tracked leaders, not fluent when not much room 1st, slow 2nd, led after 11th, headed 3 out, no impression on winner flat, just lost out on 2nd close home
Surtee Du Berlais’ efforts over fences so far have left much to be desired but Scotchtown looks to be improving with experience, though could probably do with some help from the handicapper. ANOTHER VENTURE has been well supported in his last two runs over the larger obstacles at Exeter. He was second in the first of those and then found 3m6f beyond the limits of his stamina – it may be his turn today. Pure Vision has more on his plate than when winning off a 7lb lower mark at Ffos Las while Socksy has to carry 7lb more than his allotted weight despite winning three of his last four. Souriyan has won off this mark over hurdles but is making his chasing debut.
Scotchtown (IRE) 7-2 (11-8) With leader, led before 3rd, made most, ridden and every chance before 2 out, kept on and well held towards finish, 2nd of 6, 3 1/4l behind Millanisi Boy (10-9) at Chepstow 3m hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Surtee Du Berlais (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Chased leading pair, pushed along and weakened before 4 out, 5th of 7, 23 1/4l behind Ms Parfois (10-12) at Newbury 2m 7f lst (1) sft in Dec.
Pure Vision (IRE) 11-4jfav (11-10) Held up, headway 4 out, effort approaching last, ridden and stayed on to lead near finish, won at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp (4) hvy in Nov beating Star Tackle (10-11) by 3/4l, 7 ran.
Souriyan (FR) 8-1 (11-12) Prominent, ridden and lost place before 4 out, 4th of 9, 35 1/2l behind Lovenormoney (11-9) at Chepstow 3m hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Another Venture (IRE) 4-1fav (11-12) Led after 1st until after 2nd, stayed handy, disputing 3rd on last bend, every chance 4 out, lost place from 2 out, 6th of 17, 14l behind Yanmare (10-7) at Exeter 3m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Socksy (IRE) 4-1cfav (11-4) Prominent, went 2nd from 4 out, led 3 out, kept on well towards finish, won at Ayr 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Oct beating Buffalo Ballet (10-9) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.