mid-division, headway from 2 out, chased leader well before last until before last, stayed in 3rd, kept on under pressure flat
chased leaders, mistake 4th, weakened after 2 out, tailed off
mid-division, weakened before 2 out, tailed off
chased leader until weakened well before last
always in rear, tailed off from 5th
in touch, ridden and struggling when hit 2 out, tailed off
always in rear, struggling from 5th, tailed off
took keen hold, prominent, hit 3 out, challenged last, led narrowly soon after, kept on flat, headed last strides
mistakes, always behind, tailed off
led, joined 2 out, narrowly headed soon after, rallied gamely to lead again last strides
held up towards rear, steady headway from 5th, chased leaders before last, weakened soon after
always in rear, under pressure after 3rd, tailed off 5th, pulled up before last
Colin Tizzard's Coup Royale has shown some promise in two starts in bumpers and over hurdles but he is likely to do better over fences and may need more time anyway so a better bet looks to be TEQUILLA BOB, who gets the vote with You're So Vain looking the pick of the remainder. The selection was a point-to-point winner in Ireland and Charlie Longsdon's gelding has run well in both starts so far over hurdles so looks worth chancing here on ground that suits in a race that lacks any real strength in depth. Emma Lavelle has her string in fine form so her runner, Maraksh, has to be respected but he needs to improve on all known form to trouble the judge. Jonjo O'Neill's South America has disappointed so far and looks best watched, while Nick Gifford's Robin De Paques has been well held in both starts in bumpers but may do better now switched to hurdles. Richard Rowe's Half Cocked has a long absence to overcome and of more interest may be You're So Vain. The Warren Greatrex-trained gelding won well here first time up in a bumper and should appreciate the drop back in trip having not seemingly stayed 2m4f at Doncaster last time. He has to be considered but preference is for Tequilla Bob, who can open his account under rules.
Coup Royale (FR) 14-1 (11-2) Keen hold, prominent until weakened well before 2 out, 4th of 13, 20l behind Sanctuaire (10-7) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Devoran Quay (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) In touch, lost place 8th, no danger after, 6th of 12, 30l behind Swansbrook (11-2) at Ascot 2m 3f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (3) sft in Jan.
Half Cocked 16-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, hampered over 5f out and over 4f out, never able to get on terms, 14th of 16, 20l behind Wade Farm Billy (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f NH flat (6) gd in Apr '08.
Maraksh (FR) 50-1 (11-0) Chased leaders until ridden and weakened after 3 out, 7th of 10, well behind Adams Island (11-0) at Newbury 3m mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Robin De Paques (FR) 17-2 (10-13) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 9, 21l behind Lady Rhinestone (10-9) at Fontwell 2m 2f NH flat (6) gf in Jun.
Son of Karinga 80-1 (11-0) Pulled hard in mid-division, soon prominent and led 3rd, headed approaching next, weakened before 3 out, last of 11, well behind Shoreacres (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m NH mdn hdl (5) gd in Nov '08.
South America (NZ) 100-1 (11-1) Held up, ridden and struggling before 3 out, tailed off, 7th of 13, well behind Diamond Brook (11-4) at Exeter 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Tequilla Bob (IRE) 6-4 (11-5) Led, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened quickly, dropped to 3rd when mistake last, 4th of 8, 23l behind Sir Kezbaah (11-5) at Lingfield 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Tifernati 66-1 (10-9) Pulled hard in rear, strugging soon after 4 out, tailed off, last of 12, well behind Bellvano (11-12) at Newbury 2m nh nov hdl (3) gs in Feb.
You're So Vain 25-1 (11-3) Led and jumped right 4 out, weakened approaching next, 7th of 14, 29l behind Bostons Angel (11-13) at Doncaster 2m 3f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (3) gs in Jan.
Kokkokila 14-1 (10-5) Held up towards rear, held when hampered 2 out, in 6th and no impression when brought down last, in a race won by Kerada (10-5) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Dec, 16 ran.
Foxtrot Charlie 33-1 (11-0) Held up in rear but in touch, effort before 2 out, never on terms, 4th of 6, 8l behind Spunk (11-0) at Sandown 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) sft in Dec.
