jumped right, tracked leader, left in lead 4 out, ridden and joined after 2 out, headed flat, stayed on
in touch in rear when pulled up 12th
tracked leaders, left 2nd 4 out, joined leader soon after 2 out, ridden to lead flat, asserted close home
led, blundered 2nd, still going well when fell 4 out
raced wide held up, headway to track leaders 5th until lost place 11th, weakened 3 out
blundered 1st, close up, pushed along when left 3rd 4 out, kept on same pace
ECHIQUIER (NAP) should have the class to defy top weight. He’s been fairly consistent since winning over hurdles at Hexham in the autumn with his only poor runs coming on heavy going. He did win over fences in France as a four-year-old. Shanroe In Milan disappointed at Taunton last time but won at Musselburgh the time before and he’s another who will appreciate the better ground. Onefortheroadtom has been quite highly tried but is now 0-10 over fences so comes with risks attached. The Fresh Prince will have needed his comeback and thrives in small fields so can’t be ignored.
Echiquier (FR) 5-1 (12-0) Led and hit 1st, headed 4 out, chased leaders, weakening when mistake next, left modest 4th 2 out, 4th of 8, 16l behind Mystical Clouds (11-5) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Feb.
Shanroe In Milan (IRE) 5-1 (11-5) Always towards rear, never on terms, tailed off when blundered 3 out, 6th of 10, dist behind Cap St Vincent (11-6) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Feb.
Onefortheroadtom 6-1 (11-11) Tracked leaders, mid-division halfway, closer before 2 out, short of room approaching straight, pushed along and no impression approaching last where slightly hampered, no extra run-in, 8th of 15, 20 1/4l behind Best Behavior (11-8) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp gd in Dec.
The Fresh Prince (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, lost place 6 out, behind when pulled up before 4 out, at Leicester 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Stowaway Magic (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, weakened before 3 out, 12th of 17, dist behind I'd Better Go Now (10-13) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Telson Barley (IRE) 10-1 (11-7) Towards rear, effort from 3 out, never dangerous, 6th of 10, dist behind Loud As Lions (11-0) at Huntingdon 3m hcp (4) gs in Feb.
