mostly chased winner, went left 7th, urged along on long run before 4 out, soon held, ridden and weakened into 3rd between last 2, soon eased
raced keenly, made all, bumped and steep at 7th, came clear from 3 out, 3 lengths ahead when not fluent stayed on gamely, unchallenged
held up in close 3rd, pushed along before 4 out, went 2nd between last 2, 3 lengths down last, stayed on and closed on winner towards finish, always held
PRIME VENTURE is the highest rated of these but makes a quick reappearance after falling in the Peter Marsh at Haydock on Saturday. He is now 0-10 over fences but gets a final chance against only two rivals. Some Can Dance is a mud-lover who was in good form at Ffos Las last month. He has to concede 6lb but his rider’s claim takes care of most of that. Aaron Lad was a useful hurdler but needs to improve on his two runs to date over fences.
Some Can Dance (IRE) 2-1 (11-10) In touch on inside, led narrowly 10th, ridden 2 lengths clear between last 2, rider lost iron briefly after last, held on near finish, won at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp (4) hvy in Dec beating Driftwood Haze (11-12) by 1/2l, 5 ran.
Aaron Lad (IRE) 7-4 (11-2) Chased leaders, hit 11th, not fluent 13th, soon weakened, tailed off 4 out, rallied approaching last, never a threat, 3rd of 5, 18l behind Encounter A Giant (11-2) at Hereford 3m 1f (4) hvy in Dec.
Prime Venture (IRE) 15-2 (10-4) Towards rear when fell 14th, at Haydock 3m 2f hcp (1) hvy in Jan.