led to 9th, kept on same pace from last, lost 2nd near finish
in rear, blundered 9th, outpaced 3 out, kept on to take 2nd near finish, no chance with winner
tracked leaders in 3rd, not fluent, in rear from 5th, weakened from 4 out
tracked leader, led 9th, clear approaching last
Any of the four can win this and narrow preference is for BLEAK HOUSE ahead of Otage De Brion. Howard Johnson's gelding has been off the track for nearly 14 months but showed enough over hurdles when last seen to suggest that he has ability. The switch to fences is likely to suit this half-brother to The Duke's Speech and with the stable in good form a big run is expected. Mill Side has run well in two starts in good company since a Newcastle win in October, however his penalty makes life tougher this afternoon despite his obvious potential. Otage De Brion is yet to win in three starts over fences; however he again has taken on some fair company. It was disappointing that he didn't get closer to Pop last time out (who has been lucky to win since) and he needs to have freshened up after a break. Tarotino completes the field and is open to improvement, although he was disappointing last time at Wincanton. Perhaps hopes are resting on a slight drop in trip this afternoon.
Mill Side 11-2 (10-13) With winner, outpaced approaching 4 out, no impression from next, 2nd of 6, 24l behind According To Pete (11-10) at Newcastle 3m nov chs (3) sft in Dec.
Bleak House (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (11-12) Mid-division until weakened from 3 out, 5th of 10, 36l behind McGruders Cross (11-7) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Jan '08.
Otage De Brion (FR) 9-1 (11-0) Led to 6th, hit 5 out, weakened after 3 out, 3rd of 11, 13l behind Pop (11-0) at Doncaster 2m 3f beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
Tarotino (FR) 7-1 (11-12) Mid-division, hampered 10th, weakened 13th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Le Burf (11-6) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Jan, 10 ran.
