tracked leaders, driven to challenge 3 out, kept on well under pressure
tracked leaders, led 3 out, drew clear after last, very easily (no time taken due to poor visability)
led until 3 out, soon rallied, stayed on well closing stages, no chance with easy winner
tracked leader, took keen hold, not fluent 2nd, lost touch 4 out, behind when pulled up next
The penny dropped with FOR GOOD MEASURE at Uttoxeter nine days ago and he won by eight lengths without seriously coming off the bridle. With similar conditions here, he should be capable of defying his penalty as this trip is possibly on the short side for Wincanton runner-up Benbecula, who is 3lb higher. Jumps Road is on a lower mark than for his last win but was chasing last season and hasn't raced since April. Exiles Return would probably need the other three to come to grief.
Jumps Road 15-2 (11-12) Held up in touch, jumped slowly 4th and 5th, soon outpaced, weakening when jumped left 3 out, 6th of 7, 27 1/2l behind Remind Me Later (11-0) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (3) gf in Apr.
For Good Measure (IRE) 5-1 (11-5) Mid-division, slightly hampered 2nd, headway approaching 6th, went 2nd before 3 out, challenged going well 2 out, soon led, easily, won at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (4) hvy in Dec beating Akula (10-12) by 8l, 8 ran.
Benbecula 20-1 (10-7) Chased leader and clear of rest, closed to lead before 2 out, ridden and headed before the last, one pace and no chance with winner but well clear of 3rd, 2nd of 9, 5l behind San Benedeto (11-8) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Nov.
Exiles Return (IRE) 200-1 (10-0) Raced wide, chased leaders, chased leader 2nd until before 3 out, soon weakened, no chance when mistake and slightly hampered 2 out, 5th of 11, dist behind Darwins Theory (11-12) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
