held up in rear, headway to go 4th at 8th, ridden and mistake 3 out, weakened before last
held up, ridden and outpaced 8th, headway to chase leader after 2 out, led last, ran on
close up, ridden to chase leader 2 out, weakened before last
held up, headway 5th, chased leader 7th, ridden to lead 3 out, headed last, no extra run-in
keen close up, lost place 5th, hit next, struggling from 7th
pulled hard, close up, raced wide, lost place 5th, struggling from 7th
pulled hard, led 2nd, headed 5th, behind from 7th, pulled up before next
keen, led 1st, led again 5th, headed and hit 3 out, soon weakened and struggling
An intriguing contest in which several have claims, however we will plump for Or Jaune to complete the hat-trick, at the main expense of Apollo Lady and Youll Do For Me. The last-named showed improved form when stepped up to this trip last time out at Hereford and should be equally at home on this track. He is unexposed and will surely be one of those staying on well, however we will reluctantly pass him over today in this better company. Tarotino represents a powerful yard in cracking form so must warrant respect however it remains to be seen whether he is best at this or the minimum trip. Platin Grounds should probably be best watched on his hurdling debut. Apollo Lady has won two of her three starts over hurdles so must have a favourite's chance, however she steps up in trip for the first time today so whilst she shapes as if it will be okay, stamina must be taken on trust. She is evidently a horse of some potential so must go close, however we will side with Or Jaune today. Whilst he has to give weight to the whole field, the manner of his last victory at Sandown suggested that he still has a lot left in the locker. His shrewd trainer has been in good form of late, and the selection is certainly one horse who will see out the trip to good effect. In an interesting contest then, he gets the vote.
Or Jaune (FR) 9-2fav (11-0) In touch, headway after 3 out, led and blundered next, clear last, easily, won at Sandown 2m 4f nov hcp hdl (3) gs beating Asudo (11-7) by 5l, 17 ran.
Tarotino (FR) 5-2 (11-4) Mid-division, ridden and headway after 3 out, chased leader 2 out, led approaching last, driven out, won at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan beating Otto des Pictons (11-4) by 2 1/2l, 15 ran.
Youll Do For Me (IRE) 9-4 (11-6) Mid-division, headway approaching 4th, led last, stayed on well flat, won at Hereford 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan beating Hill Forts Timmy (11-7) by 5l, 9 ran.
Apollo Lady 11-10fav (11-2) Prominent, chased leader 3 out, soon ridden, left in lead 2 out, driven clear from last, won at Wincanton 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gs in Dec beating Presenting Copper (10-10) by 9l, 17 ran.
Farmer Tom (IRE) 40-1 (10-11) In touch, weakened over 6f out, 6th of 15, 26l behind Tot O'Whiskey (11-8) at Catterick 2m nhf (6) gs in Dec.
Folie A Deux (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Prominent, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace, 6th of 12, 35l behind Armariver (11-5) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Oasis Blue (IRE) 4-1 (10-7) Held up, headway 5th, ridden and effort after 6th, soon beaten, 6th of 11, 37l behind Caesarean Hunter (10-10) at Exeter 2m 3f cnd nov hcp hdl (F) sft in Dec '05.
Platin Grounds (GER) 9-4fav (11-2) Led after 3f, headed 5f out, one pace final 2f, 3rd of 13, 25l behind Openditch (11-0) at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Dec.
