Bertenbar is starting to slip down the weights again and the 13-year-old is now only 2lb higher than when successful on heavy going over course and distance last April. But fellow veteran MR BACHSTER has the more recent winning form and is another who likes the mud. He’s been raised 6lb for a victory over track and trip in January but Richard Patrick’s claim takes care of that. Edgar looks the pick of the younger chasers in this as he won at Towcester before finishing fourth at Leicester whereas Wabanaki may need more time. Bahumbug is blinkered for the first time but has yet to show much and is 4lb out of the handicap.
Bertenbar 12-1 (11-9) Mistakes and tended to jump left, tracked leader, led 7th, went left and hit 12th, mistake and headed 4 out, chased leaders, led again well before 2 out until approaching 2 out, chased winner until 2 out, chased leaders, weakened badly run-in, 7th of 13, 25l behind Song Saa (11-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Feb.
Edgar (GER) 9-2 (11-11) Mistakes, tracked leaders, bumped 1st, slightly hampered 4th, beaten before last, lost 3rd close home, 4th of 6, 13 1/2l behind Barton Rose (11-11) at Leicester 2m hcp (5) hvy in Feb.
Mr Bachster (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) Led until after 1st, prominent, led 8th, clear 3 out, ridden out, won at Fontwell 2m 1f hcp (5) sft in Jan beating Tikkapick (11-7) by 4 1/2l, 9 ran.
Wabanaki (IRE) 11-2 (11-13) Held up towards rear, not fluent 4th, behind before 5 out, never involved, 5th of 7, 13 1/2l behind Modeligo (11-12) at Chepstow 2m hcp (5) sft in Feb.
Bahumbug 14-1 (10-4) Held up in rear, driven forward to join leader after 3rd, led 7th, headed when blundered 4 out, no chance after, tailed off, moderate 4th, 4th of 5, dist behind Tara Mac (11-1) at Lingfield 2m hcp (5) hvy in Feb.
