led until blundered and unseated rider 4th
tracked leaders, joined leader 8th, ridden to lead 3 out, hit last, kept on
held up, not fluent 12th, outpaced 13th, left 3rd and mistake 4 out, soon weakened, very slow and jumped right 2 out
tracked leaders, left in lead after 4th, ridden and headed 3 out, under pressure and rallied flat, not reach winner
tracked leaders, joined leaders 10th, mistake 13th, ridden 4 out, fell heavily 4 out
Fast Forward will have little trouble following up on his recent Ascot success with Principle Azzurro and Saint Godegrand both worthy of mention. The selection looked good when scoring on his debut over fences at Ascot and looks the type to win a couple with a penalty. This is not the greatest race in the world and if able to manage the very soft ground conditions then he is one to stay on the right side of. Principle Azzurro was in the process of running a big race when unseating his rider four out at Wincanton last time out. He won a little race at Towcester back in December but then came to grief at Haydock the time after which leaves question marks over his jumping ability. The fences at Chepstow are there to be jumped and a poor round of jumping could prove costly. Having said that if putting his best foot forward then he is respected. Saint Godegrand is having his first run in Britain and although he has consistent form figures to him name in France the form is difficult to evaluate so the market will be the best judge. So for the winner we return to Fast Forward.
Carew Lad 14-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, weakened quickly after 8th, 11th of 17, well behind The Real Deal (10-9) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Dec.
Fast Forward (NZ) 5-2fav (11-7) Chased leaders until 5th, in touch, headway when hampered 4 out, went 2nd after next, led approaching last, stayed on well, won at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Dec beating Witness Run (11-12) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Harper's Pride 14-1 (11-12) Never a factor, 12th of 16, 36l behind Raintown (10-3) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp hdl 0-109 hvy in Dec.
Principe Azzurro (FR) 10-3 (11-2) Held up towards rear, challenged 13th, close up when blundered and unseated rider 4 out in race won by Kaldouas (11-2) at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs (3) sft in Jan, 6 ran.
Saint Godegrand (FR) (10-12) Held up, never dangerous, 3rd of 11, 20l behind Nile Altesse (10-8) at Enghien 2m 3f ch in Nov.