chased leaders, went 2nd after 9th, mistake 5 out, blundered badly next, staying on same pace when mistake last
held up in rear but in touch, struggling after 9th, soon detatched, pulled up 4 out
mistake 1st, soon in touch, headway to chase leaders 8th, mistake 5 out, weakened after next
tracked leader, slow 7th, weakened before 5 out, modest 4th
made all, jumped well, quickened clear 2 out, ran on strongly
Nonrunner
Master Rajeem is an out-and-out stayer and, though eased in grade after being pulled up in the cross-country chase at Cheltenham, is likely to be flat out just to keep up with a couple of these. KING MASSINI (NAP) usually races prominently and was just overhauled by Shy John at Taunton two weeks ago. He should enjoy these tight turns and could hang on out in front today. Houndscourt, a winner at Sedgefield in February, could be vying for minor honours with recent Stratford third Unknown Legend.
King Massini (IRE) 7-4fav (11-12) Led, headed before 11th, tracked leader, led 6 out, ridden and headed last, kept on and held towards finish, 2nd of 4, 3/4l behind Shy John (11-8) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gd in Mar.
Southway Star 20-1 (10-13) Held up in 5th, lost place 8th, soon behind, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out, in a race won by Foxbridge (11-6) at Ffos Las 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy in Feb, 7 ran.
Houndscourt (IRE) 5-4fav (11-1) Tracked leader, one pace in 3rd from 3 out, 3rd of 4, 13l behind Degooch (11-12) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Mar.
Back In June 9-2 (11-4) Led until 4th, given reminder, led 6th until 9th, reminders 11th and before leading 13th, headed 16th, weakened
Unknown Legend (IRE) 15-2 (10-13) Raced keenly, led and soon clear, hit 6th, reduced advantage 8th, headed 2 out, soon ridden and no impression with front pair, weakened last, 3rd of 11, 15l behind Little Jimmy (10-10) at Stratford 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Mar.
Master Rajeem (USA) 33-1 (10-1) Chased leaders to 6th, mid-division when not fluent 10th, lost place and behind when mistake 21st, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Rivage D'Or (10-10) at Cheltenham 3m 7f hcp chs (2) gd in Mar, 16 ran.