soon led, headed 8th, hit 10th, hit next, gradually faded
took keen hold, tracked leaders, went 2nd after 4 out, soon ridden, hit next, kept on, always tailed from 2 out
took keen hold, tracked leaders 5th, mistake and rider lost iron 7th until 9th, prominent, mistake 4 out, soon ridden, weakened next
chased leaders early, lost touch 10th
tracked leaders, led 8th, stayed on well from 3 out, ridden out (hand timed)
held up, driven along from 9th, soon lost touch, pulled up before 3 out
in touch, ridden to chase leading pair approaching 3 out, no further impression
soon well behind, tailed off and pulled up before 7th
The shortlisted three are Lady Racquet, Highglen and Which Pocket, with the vote going to Lady Racquet. A 108-rated hurdler, Lady Racquet ran well when second to Petite Margot on her chasing debut and that type of form makes her a leading player today. A winning hurdler in Ireland last year, Highglen has clearly had injury problems but, if retaining anywhere near his bet level of ability, he looks to hold a very good chance in a modest beginners' chase. I'm Lovin It has been well beaten in two runs for new selections since winning a seller for Paul Nicholls, while Which Pocket has shown ability in hunter chases and ought to be able to go well at this level. Overall, though, the selection has to be Lady Racquet.
Black Shan (IRE) 100-1 (11-1) Mistakes, always in rear, mistake and struggling 6th, tailed off, 6th of 9, well behind Reach For The Top (11-4) at Folkestone 2m 5f mdn chs (4) gs in Jan.
Highglen (IRE) 10-3 (11-6) In touch, blundered 2nd, chased winner 11th until after 13th, soon weakened, mistake 2 out, 3rd of 8, well behind Pole Star (11-6) at Exeter 2m 7f beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
I'm Lovin It (IRE) 14-1 (11-6) Raced keenly, held up in rear when saddle slipped and pulled up 5 out in race won by Beamish Prince (11-2) at Catterick 2m sll hdl (5) sft, 15 ran.
Mr McDellon (IRE) 28-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, slow jump 6th, mistake 8th, mistake and lost place 10th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out pulled up 5 out in race won by Optimistic Alfie (10-11) at Folkestone 3m 1f hcp chs 0-90 (5) gs in Jan, 9 ra.
Which Pocket (IRE) 25-1 (12-0) In tch to 12; pulled up in race won by Honourable Spider (12-7) at Barbury 3m ptp gd in Jan, 8 ran.
Dickinsbury Lass 16-1 (10-11) In touch until weakened after 8th, 11th of 14, well behind Classic Fair (11-2) at Taunton 3m mrs mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Lady Racquet (IRE) 15-2 (11-0) Held up, headway to lead 4 out, headed 3 out, led briefly 2 out, kept on, 2nd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Petite Margot (11-6) at Ludlow 2m 4f mrs nov chs (4) gs.
Missyoumary 40-1 (10-3) In touch, ridden 4 out, weakened 3 out, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Labelthou (11-3) at Towcester 2m 5f mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Nov, 16 ran.
Ashford Common Lad (IRE) 80-1 (11-1) In rear, tailed off when left remote 3rd last, 3rd of 4, well behind Dancing Bay (11-4) at Fakenham 3m beg chs (4) gs in Feb.
