led, ridden before 2 out, joined when fell last
tracked leaders, jumped left 3rd, outpaced after 4 out, soon eased and pulled up
took keen hold, tracked leader, every chance when mistake 2 out, soon ridden and beaten, left 2nd last
held up, headway from 3 out, went 2nd after next, challenging when left well clear last
held up in rear, took keen hold, outpaced after 3 out, well held 2 out
held up in touch, not much room 3rd, closed before 4 out, ridden and outpaced after next, no impression 2 out, left 3rd last
The fact that ZULU OSCAR (NAP) made his hurdling debut last year in a Listed race is testament to the regard in which he's held. He got no further than the first flight that day but made no mistake at Taunton shortly after and, though absent since, may have too much class for these. Double W's has done nothing wrong in his last two starts at Ayr and Cheltenham and should be winning soon. He may be the one to cash in should the top weight need the run. Bobs Lady Tamure did well last season but is better on soft going and returns from a lay-off. I'dliketheoption, Adrakhan and The Big Dipper were all a little disappointing last time and now have a bit to prove.
Zulu Oscar 3-10fav (10-12) Made all, ridden after last, held on well, won at Taunton 2m 1f (3) gs in Nov beating Alto Des Mottes (10-12) by 4 1/2l, 13 ran.
Bobs Lady Tamure 50-1 (11-9) Mid-division on outside, headway 5th, lost place after 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out, at Newbury 2m 5f hcp lst (1) gd in Mar.
Double W's (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, led after last (usual 2 out), headed approaching omitted last, no extra in 3rd flat, 3rd of 20, 3 3/4l behind A Hare Breath (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m hcp (3) gs in Nov.
I'dliketheoption (IRE) 5-1fav (11-12) Took keen hold in touch, pushed along in 5th and one pace before 2 out, 6th of 15, 23 1/4l behind Masterplan (11-2) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Adrakhan (FR) 20-1 (11-5) Mid-division, chased leaders 2 out (usual 3 out), ridden before omitted last, one pace flat, 6th of 20, 12 1/4l behind A Hare Breath (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m hcp (3) gs in Nov.
The Big Dipper 10-1 (11-4) In touch on outside, ridden to chase front pair before 2 out, soon lost place, weakened last, 6th of 15, 15 1/2l behind Dazinski (11-4) at Warwick 2m 3f hcp (4) gs in Nov.