prominent until ridden and weakened 3 out
led at steady pace, driven and mistake 2 out, headed approaching last, no extra run-in
held up, headway 3rd, went second after 7th, hit 4 out, ridden and weakened before next
soon tracking leader until after 7th, regained second 4 out until weakened 2 out
held up, mistake 6th, headway on inside to track leaders 3 out, not much room on rail and switched right approaching 2 out, led and mistake last, drew clear run-in
Nonrunner
In what is a poor race on paper, we shall take a chance that Peephole will come good, with question marks over both of the Williams runners, Song Of Vala and Court Alliance. At first glance, it would appear that Song Of Vala has obvious claims, having won well at Plumpton last summer, but he has not been seen since flopping at Stratford in August, and is a fast-ground lover. With that in mind, he can surely be taken on today, especially with a penalty to carry as well. His stablemate Court Alliance shaped well when chasing home the fancied Leo McGarry round here last month, and he does handle the ground, but even so we feel that Peephole has more scope. Successful over a mile on soft ground at Nottingham last May for Peter Makin, he has shown enough in two outings over hurdles for Alison Thorpe to suggest that he has what it take to make it at the winter game. Although his stamina has to be taken on trust here, he gets weight from all and has Richard Johnson to guide him round. He gets a speculative vote, with nothing else even worth a mention.
Alphagran (IRE) 100-1 (11-1) Chased leaders until ridden and lost place 7th, behind after, 6th of 10, 33l behind Leo McGarry (10-11) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Court Alliance 50-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, ridden and hit 2 out, went 2nd soon after last, kept on, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 10, 8l behind Leo McGarry (10-11) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
See More Jock 100-1 (10-5) Always towards rear, no impression, 10th of 15, well behind Celtic Major (11-8) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Jan.
Dundridge Native 16-1 (10-13) Chased leader, led and hit 6th, ridden and headed 9th, soon weakened, 7th of 9, well behind Topless (11-12) at Taunton 3m mrs hcp hdl (5) gs in Feb.
Peephole 8-1 (11-3) Mid-division, driven 3 out, never on terms, 7th of 19, 39l behind Nike Walker (11-3) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl (5) sft in Feb.
Song of Vala 4-1 (11-0) Chased leading pair until 5th, not fluent 6th, mistake 3 out, soon weakened, no chance when jumped slowly left, 7th of 8, 28l behind Iffy (11-1) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Aug.
