tracked leader, not fluent 2nd, led 4th, blundered 2 out, soon shaken up, eased near finish
not always fluent, led until 4th, chased winner until after 3 out, weakened next
tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner after 3 out, kept on, always behind held
in touch, not fluent 2nd, weakened after 6th, tailed off
held up, headway after 6th, soon ridden, went 3rd approaching 2 out, stayed on same pace
in touch until weakened 6th, tailed off
Favourite backers should be off to a good start today with MR THRILLER looking like the winner of the opener with Stow and Reblis looking the main threats. David Pipe's runner was an easy winner on his UK debut last time out beating the talented yet frustrating Black Jacari who has since gone on to place in a similar event next time up. His French form shows ability in testing conditions and with another from his British debut also going on to place his chances look good for a repeat performance. Stow also beat Black Jacari on his penultimate effort before disappointing a bit last time. The going could be a concern but with his yard in such good form of late he can't be ignored. Reblis is an interesting newcomer from France who was plying his trade in regional events. In his last performance the gelding beat just two rivals to score on bottomless ground and may be best watched this time. Ski Sunday was in with a shout of a decent result when falling last time and a clear round may have him in the prize money but to win it we like the chances of Mr Thriller.
Mr Thriller (FR) 7-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders, led after 6th, drew clear from 2 out, won at Bangor 2m 1f 3yo mdn hdl (4) hvy in Nov beating Black Jacari (10-12) by 7l, 6 ran.
Reblis (FR) (10-10) Made most, easily, won at Compiegne 2m 1f clm hdl in Nov beating Perlon (10-6) by a distance, 13 ran.
Stow 11-2 (11-1) Tracked leaders, ridden and close at 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 9, 9l behind Zaynar (11-4) at Ascot 2m 4yo nov hdl (3) gs.
Home 100-1 (10-12) In touch, blundered and unseated rider at the 3rd in race won by Stow (10-9) at Hereford 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) sft in Dec, 14 ran.
Shaftesbury (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Hit 1st and 2nd, mid-division when brought down 4 out in race won by Higgy's Boy (10-12) at Newbury 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) gs in Dec, 17 ran.
Ski Sunday 20-1 (10-11) Tracking leaders when fell at the 3rd in race won by Just Rob (11-0) at Sandown 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) sft in Nov, 5 ran.
Tamrai Dancer 100-1 (10-5) Chased leader, led 3rd to next, hit 3 out and weakened, tailed off, 11th of 13, well behind Ronaldo Des Mottes (10-12) at Folkestone 2m 1f 4yo mdn hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Nowzdetime (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Led, ridden over 3f out, driven and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Red Expresso (9-3) at Southwell 1m 3f mdn aut stk (6) fbs in Dec (Flat).
