not fluent, always behind, tailed off
chased leaders, already weakened in 4th when unseated rider 3 out
held up, headway approaching 5th, chased winner after 8th, every chance 3 out, lost 2nd last, no extra
pressed winner, led briefly 6th, weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off
tracked leaders, mistake 2 out, chased winner last, no impression
made virtually all, shaken up flat, readily
This looks a good opportunity for THE MINACK who is preferred to Best Oscar and Aztec Treasure. The selection has already got his head in front in the Irish point-to-point sphere and he is certainly an interesting recruit to the Paul Nicholls yard. The ground conditions will be to his liking here and he can open his account on his debut under rules. Best Oscar is interesting as he found the trip a little on the sharp side at Stratford last month but he had previously won a point-to-point and this longer trip will certainly be in his favour. Jonjo O'Neill had two winners at Ffos Las on Sunday and his runner Aztec Treasure is well bred and is certainly worth a market check on his racecourse debut. Slasby was well beaten on his racecourse bow in a bumper at Worcester last month and he will need to improve dramatically to make his mark on his debut over timber. Paul Nicholls won this race last year and he can follow suit today with The Minack.
Aztec Treasure (NZ) Montjeu gelding out of Big Belle.
Bell Hill Lad 50-1 (10-11) In rear, pushed along halfway, behind 5f out, stayed on well final 2f, 4th of 8, 8l behind Pro Pell (11-0) at Plumpton 2m 2f mdn NH flat (6) gf in Oct.
Best Oscar (IRE) 11-8fav (10-11) In touch, headway to chase leader approaching 3 out, stayed on to chase winner approaching last, kept on one pace, 2nd of 13, 6l behind Slip (10-9) at Stratford 2m mdn hdl (3) gf in Oct.
Slabsy (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) In rear, pushed along halfway, soon behind, tailed off, 12th of 13, well behind Dingat (10-13) at Worcester 2m NH flat (6) gs in Oct.
Swincombe Rock 100-1 (10-12) Held up, never dangerous, 8th of 14, 25l behind Pepe Simo (10-12) at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
The Minack (IRE) 4-5 (12-0) Cl up, 5th 5out & gng well from 4out, ld bef last where not fluent, sow, won at Bartlemy 3m ire ptp gd in May beating Gorse Lodge (12-0) by 6l, 13 ran.