raced wide, led 2nd headed next, joined leader 8th, led 4 out, ridden next, mistake last, headed flat
raced wide, always last, struggling from 4 out
raced wide, led 1st, tracked leaders, mistake 8th, pressed leader from 4 out, every chance 2 out, driven to lead flat
Nonrunner
MAM RATAGAN is the selection in a trappy affair with Almaydan and Herons Well worthy of respect. The nine-year-old has surprisingly only won one race under rules though he has taken on much better opposition than this in the past. Though a disappointing favourite at Bangor last time out, he has demonstrated an aptitude for this surface previously and if able to glean a soft lead, he could be a danger to all. Almaydan is the class act. A winner at Doncaster on a softer surface, the handicapper appears very wary about dropping him down to a similar mark anytime soon. Herons Well has had a couple of races in Britain. He did account for our selection when they last met but as mentioned earlier, the going was markedly different and it was a beginners chase rather than a handicap. Wheels Up has often been well backed and finally those long suffering backers got their money after a victory at Newbury. He has gone up 6lb for that but Richie McLernon is able to claim 3lb off that burden. Alesandro Mantegna had every chance of acccounting for Chapel Flowers though wasn't good enough on the day. The form of that race took a severe knock when the Vaughan horse was turned over next time out Enlightenment was once useful though his performances over the last year have been lamentable in comparison. Mam Ratagan is not without doubts but is our call.
Almaydan 9-1 (11-8) Made most until headed approaching 3 out, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 7, 9l behind Sa Suffit (11-7) at Haydock 2m hcp chs 0-140 (2) sft in Nov.
Enlightenment (IRE) 22-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, mistake 3rd, headway 12th, weakened after next, last of 11, well behind Sunnyhillboy (11-9) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Feb.
Wheels Up (IRE) 15-8fav (11-2) Took keen hold, held up disputing 4th, tracked leading pair approching 11th, went 2nd travelling strongly 3 out, closed approaching last, switched right soon after last, driven and quickened to lead final 110 yards, won at Newbury 2m 2f nov hcp chs (0-125) (3) gs beating Bormo (11-12) by 2l, 7 ran.
Herons Well (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Raced keenly, always prominent, not fluent 2nd, not fluent and hampered 3 out, challenged before next, ridden to lead narrowly approaching last, stayed on well to go clear towards finish, won at Bangor 2m 1f beg chase (4) sft beating Frankie Anson (11-0) by 3l, 5 ran.
Mam Ratagan 4-7fav (11-0) Led until 4 out, led next until before 2 out, soon beaten, 3rd of 5, 26l behind Herons Well (11-0) at Bangor 2m 1f beg chase (4) sft.
Alesandro Mantegna (IRE) 9-2 (11-9) Chased leaders, chased winner after 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on gamely flat, held near finish, 2nd of 7, nk behind Chapel Flowers (11-12) at Ffos Las 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
