Johns Luck bids for a treble having recorded a couple of narrow-margin victories including a neck defeat of Like Sully at Plumpton last time. That pair are hard to separate while Bertenbar faces a tougher task having finished third over these fences to Bishop’s Court on Boxing Day. By contrast, THE FRESH PRINCE drops down in class today after falling at Aintree last time behind Call Me Vic. Oliver Sherwood’s charge should make a bold bid with further progress likely on only his third start over fences. Mister Grez looks his yard’s second choice behind Bertenbar and Irish Thistle is hard to fancy.
Mister Grez (FR) 50-1 (10-13) Chased leaders on outside, not fluent 3 out, weakened before next, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out, at Kempton 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Dec.
The Fresh Prince (IRE) 5-1 (10-10) Took keen hold, led until 4th, led before 9th, narrow lead when fell 4 out, at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Dec.
Johns Luck (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Held up in touch in last pair, steady headway 10th, left in 3rd place 4 out, challenged under pressure in 2nd 2 out, led narrowly last, driven out, won at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Jan beating Like Sully (11-12) by nk, 7 ran.
Like Sully (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Tracked leader, led going well before 2 out, narrowly headed last, driven and kept on run-in, 2nd of 7, nk behind Johns Luck (11-12) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Irish Thistle (IRE) 25-1 (11-7) Tracked winner until 13th, chased leaders, weakening when mistake 4 out, pulled up soon after, at Lingfield 2m 7f hcp (4) hvy in Jan.
Bertenbar 7-2 (11-7) Led, headed 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 5, 9 1/2l behind Bishops Court (11-11) at Fontwell 2m 1f hcp (4) gs in Dec.
