always behind, ridden along, hanging right 5th, pulled up before 7th
held up mid-division, headway 5f, went 2nd 4f out, no impression on winner
held up mid-division, headway 5f, weakened 4f, soon well behind
chased winner, ran wide stable bend, rallied and prominent until weakened approaching 8f
mid-division, headway approaching 4f out, stayed on from 2f out without troubling leaders
behind, some headway from 2f out to be nearest at finish
held up towards rear, headway 5f, mistake 6f, ridden and weakened 2f out
prominent, saddle slipped 4f , in touch, weakened after 7f
made all, clear from 3f out, eased flat
behind, effort approaching 4f out, soon weakened
The ease in grade can prove beneficial for Mr Dinglawi, who is selected in preference to Makulu and Idiome, who appeal at the likely prices in a race that has plenty of pitfalls for punters. Top weight Mobasher is also another to place on the shortlist in the build up to the race, as he has some fair form to his name and also takes an ease in grade today. However, the Venetia Williams-trained gelding has not really set the world alight in his two previous starts this term and could be in the grip of the handicapper for now. Idiome usually comes good at this time of year and is a consistent individual that is capable at this level. However, he is still 5lb higher than for his last win and may also be a little short of the mark for win only purposes. Makulu is another that has suffered at the hands of the assessor since he won a novices' hurdle at Folkestone last November. He could still be on the upgrade but his supporters will have to forgive him an uncharacteristic poor run last time. Therefore, we switch to Mr Dinglawi today, as he has run his heart out every time he has been asked for effort in his races. His mid-division effort at the Cheltenham Festival reads respectably in the context of this race and, as James Davies knows exactly how to get the best out of him, we expect a bold bid from Mr Dinglawi today.
Mobasher (IRE) 16-1 Mid-division, ridden when blundered 4 out, weakened after 3 out, behind when mistake last, 15th of 21, 32l behind Stance at Newbury 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (C) gs.
Jonanaud 16-1 In rear, slow jump 2nd, never a factor, 5th of 7, 28l behind Kalca Mome at Warwick 2m hcp hdl (B) hvy in Feb.
Levallois (IRE) 33-1 Behind, blundered 5th, slow jump when tailed off 3 out, 5th of 10, well behind Red Devil Robert at Stratford 3m hcp chs 0-120 (D) sft.
Miss Fahrenheit (IRE) 13-2 Prominent, ridden and weakened 8th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Sungates at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gs in Feb, 18 ran.
Idiome (FR) 4-1 Held up, headway 4th, ridden to chase leader 2 out, weakened flat, 5th of 13, 9l behind Spring Pursuit at Leicester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) hvy in Feb.
Big Bone (FR) 9-2 Held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened 2 out, 7th of 15, 41l behind Star Angler at Exeter 2m 3f nh nov hdl (E) gs in Feb.
Constantine 7-2 Held up, headway after 3 out, ridden to chase winner approaching last, no impression run-in, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Come Bye at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) sft in Jan.
Achilles Wings (USA) 66-1 Held up and behind, ridden approaching 6th, some headway approaching 3 out, never dangerous, 6th of 10, 14l behind Rydon Lane at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gs.
Mr Dinglawi (IRE) 50-1 Held up in touch, not fluent 5th, soon ridden and no impression, 15th of 24, 25l behind Dabiroun at Cheltenham 2m 3yo hcp hdl (A) gd.
Periwinkle Lad (IRE) 16-1 Held up mid-division, some progress 5th, ridden and behind after 4 out, 13th of 14, well behind Tell The Trees at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gs in Feb.
Makulu (IRE) 33-1 Made most to 5th, stayed close up until weakened and pulled up 2 out in race won by Migwell at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-130 (C) sft in Feb, 10 ran.
