chased leaders, ridden and lost place 6th, no chance when mistake 3 out
not jumped well in rear, well behind 3 out
held up in rear, no impression on leaders approaching 3 out, passed weakening rivals after next
keen hold, in touch, mistake 3rd, soon chasing leaders, weakened after 4 out
keen hold, in touch, headway to chase leaders 4th, mistake 4 out, went 2nd 3 out, ridden to chase winner last, no impression
in touch, went second 6th to 3 out, fourth and no chance when fell last
took keen hold, held up towards rear, hit 3 out, no impression
always in rear, tailed off 3 out
led, ridden and headed 2 out, still chance approaching last, weakened run-in
chased leader, jumped left 2nd, lost second 6th, weakened approaching 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2 out, driven clear run-in
David Pipe is mob-handed here, with the vote going to Brave Broncho ahead of stablemate Nanard, Back On Line and Maktu. The market may go a long way towards revealing just which of the Nicolashayne inmates is fancied the best, but we shall take a chance that Brave Broncho is ready to do himself justice at the first time of asking. The son of Taipan is related to useful northern chasers Royal Emperor and A Piece Of Cake on the dam's side and has the assistance of Timmy Murphy to help his cause. Nanard shaped well enough when fourth on his debut over timber at Chepstow last month, and this step up in trip should bring about a bit more improvement at least, while Back On Line is out to make up for his mishap at Folkestone where he slipped up on the bend when still in touch. He was beaten by a Pipe inmate, Saratogane, at Lingfield in January though, so the selection's connections will have a line to work on. Maktu will be a popular choice with many as he can boast experience, and his third at Chepstow certainly puts him in with a chance of reaching the frame at least. Brave Broncho could be anything though, and we shall chance him first time.
Auchterarder 22-1 (11-2) Mid-division, not fluent 3rd, soon behind, 7th of 12, well behind Back Among Friends (11-2) at Chepstow 2m nh mdn hdl (5) hvy in Feb.
Big John Macarty (IRE) 33-1 (10-8) Chased leaders until 6f out, 9th of 11, well behind Sir Harry Ormesher (10-6) at Ascot 2m nhf (4) gs in Feb.
Brave Broncho (IRE) Taipan gelding out of Bro Ella.
Major Matt (IRE) Mister Mat gelding out of By Golly.
Maktu 12-1 (11-3) Held up, headway 5th, wandered approaching 3 out, mistake and stumbled, led under pressure 2 out, headed approaching last, one pace flat, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind What A Scientist (11-10) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb.
Nanard (FR) 15-2 (11-2) Held up, headway 4th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened next, 4th of 13, 21l behind Snow Patrol (11-2) at Chepstow 2m nh mdn hdl (5) hvy in Feb.
New Realm (USA) 100-1 (11-2) Mid-division, ridden and weakened after 4th, 13th of 17, well behind Osana (11-4) at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Saxon Leader (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) Mid-division, headway after 4th, ridden and weakened 3 out, 8th of 12, well behind Back Among Friends (11-2) at Chepstow 2m nh mdn hdl (5) hvy in Feb.
Shoudawoudacouda (IRE) 50-1 (11-12) Never a factor, completely tailed off, 21st of 22, well behind Shanghide (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f mdn hdl hvy in Dec.
Well Actually (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Mid-division, headway 6th, chasing leaders when blundered 4 out, weakened soon after, tailed off, last of 10, well behind Leo McGarry (10-11) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Back On Line (IRE) 5-1 (10-11) In touch, weakening when stumbled and slipped up 5 out in race won by Sydney (11-4) at Folkestone 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) hvy in Feb, 12 ran.
