always in touch, went 3rd after 7th, hit rails bend approaching next, led on bit after 3 out, soon clear, kept on
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before last
never going well, behind from 4th, pulled up before 6th
ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on
held up, always behind
tracked leaders, ridden after 7th, weakened next
led, mistake 5th, ridden and headed after 3 out, stayed on
ridden from 4th, well behind when pulled up before 8th
held up in rear, headway after 4th, ridden after 7th, soon weakened
always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up behind, headway approaching 6th, chased leaders when ridden approaching 2 out, one pace soon after
chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, weakened next
A tricky Showcase Handicap. Tik A Tai drops back to hurdles for this event and give in the ground suits him. Ice Crystal won over course and distance from a four-pound lower mark in April 2001 but lacks a previous seasonal run. The lightly-raced Stockers Pride steps into handicap company here, will appreciate the trip but has a 252-absence to overcome. Chateau Rose finished a short head behind Ice Crystal at Plumpton on heavy ground over nearly three-and-a-quarter-miles in January and they race off level weights here. Both have scope for the jumping game. Momentous Jones won twice here as a juvenile novice and reached a high of 116 in the ratings (104 today). He'd be interesting if supported. Distant Storm won a seller here in August while Bracey Run won a conditional event at Southwell in May. Lord 'N' Master has been raised 11lbs for an Exeter win and time will tell whether that was harsh but he is lightly-raced and certainly has scope for further improvement. Fare Dealing will be fit but ought to find one or two too good for him. Felix Randall clearly has ability but disappointed when favourite last time and is now fitted with blinkers for the first time. He will have his supporters again but might be worth taking on if a short price. It's an interesting race and contains runners that should do well as the season goes on. It's hard to be confident about a selection but Momentous Jones gets the TEAMtalk vote if the market speaks in his favour.
