PINK GIN is 0-8 over fences but he’s run well on several occasions and his comeback fourth at Exeter matched his best efforts. Dropped a pound since, his turn may finally have come around. Blakerigg has placed form over these fences and came good at Ayr earlier this month so looks a danger while it’s interesting that Skipthescales and Scooby are making their debut over fences in a handicap. Mon Palois should strip fitter for his third at Market Rasen but Travertine has yet to get to grips with chasing and Fly Rory Fly hasn’t shown much since switching stables.
Mon Palois (FR) 8-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders, driven and outpaced in 3rd after 4 out, mistake next, no chance after, kept on same pace, 3rd of 9, 19l behind Some Chaos (10-11) at Market Rasen 3m hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Skipthescales (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Chased leaders to 4 out, soon weakened, 13th of 16, dist behind Ready And Able (11-8) at Aintree 3m 1f hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Travertine (IRE) 7-1 (12-2) Held up behind, some headway when hampered 3 out, went modest 4th next, no chance with leaders, 4th of 9, 31l behind Gardiners Hill (10-13) at Warwick 3m 1f hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Fly Rory Fly (IRE) 16-1 (11-13) Behind most of way, struggling 15th, tailed off, 6th of 9, 30 3/4l behind Tickenwolf (11-12) at Hexham 3m hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Scooby (IRE) 4-1 (11-13) Chased leaders, not fluent 6th, went 2nd before 9th, no impression on winner who was clear, mistake 4 out, hit 3 out, plugged on, 2nd of 7, 26l behind Our Reward (11-10) at Fakenham 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Blakerigg (IRE) 11-4fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, not fluent 14th, challenged 4 out, led 2 out, pecked slightly last, clear flat, stayed on well, won at Ayr 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Nov beating Instingtive (10-5) by 6l, 8 ran.
Pink Gin 12-1 (11-9) In rear, headway before 6 out, ridden after last, kept on towards finish, 4th of 10, 1 1/2l behind Heluvagood (11-2) at Exeter 3m hcp (4) gd in Nov.
