led until 4th, prominent, ridden to lead 4 out, stayed on, driven out
tracked leaders until 9th, soon ridden, beaten
close up, went 3rd 8th, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened
close up, stumbled 7th, soon beaten
close up, struggling 9th, soon beaten
raced keenly, led 4th, headed 4 out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace
Deep Quest is interesting despite top-weight, however in a tightly-knit contest (only 9lb separates the field) we will plump for BASEBALL TED. A mark of 96 for his chasing debut means that despite some average if fairly inconsistent efforts over hurdles, it may be worth siding with Phillip Hobbs' son of Beneficial. Pitched straight into handicap company, it would be a surprise were he not to feature. Deep Quest won this race a year ago and must be considered as he is versatile in regards to the ground, however he is 19lbs higher twelve months on. Just Poppytee has been off for almost two years but the yard do so well with their chasers, whilst AP McCoy is an interesting booking on Folie A Deux. He wasn't disgraced on his chasing debut last October and the trainer-jockey combo have a 23% strike-rate in recent years. Sir Winston is another to throw into the mix however it is Baseball Ted who can score the home run.
Deep Quest 11-1 (11-0) Held up, headway 9th, ridden and every chance 11th, one pace from 4 out, 3rd of 8, 9l behind Le Burf (11-0) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (4) gs in Mar.
Just Poppytee 12-1 (10-8) Chased leaders, led 3 out, ridden and headed before next, weakened, 5th of 14, 30l behind Itsa Legend (10-12) at Taunton 3m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan '07.
Baseball Ted (IRE) 6-1 (10-8) Held up behind, took keen hold, mistake 1st, ridden and some headway approaching 3 out, stayed on same pace, 5th of 15, 21l behind Sunnyhillboy (11-5) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Oct.
Sir Winston (IRE) 18-1 (10-10) Held up in touch, led 7th to 9th, led 10th to 11th, weakened approaching 2 out, 7th of 14, 42l behind Spare Cash (11-1) at Uttoxeter 3m mdn hdl (4) sft in Apr.
Supreme Tadgh (IRE) 20-1 (10-2) Held up, mistake 7th, behind when jumped right 9th, tailed off, 9th of 11, well behind Kew Jumper (11-2) at Lingfield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Mar.
Folie A Deux (IRE) 13-2 (11-10) Chased leaders to halfway, weakening when blundered 4 out, 5th of 10, 31l behind Highland Chief (11-0) at Plumpton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gf in Oct '07.
