held up, took closer order 10th, effort after 4 out, one pace from next
close up, ridden after 4 out, stayed on to go 2nd last, no extra final 75 yards
led until after 4 out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace
tracked leaders, blundered 1st, outpaced 10th, never back on terms, eased from last
with leader, hit 11th, ridden to lead after 4 out, jumped right from next, driven out
held up, took closer order 10th, ridden after 4 out, one pace from next
A fascinating little race with STRAWBERRY selected to see off Medicinal and Oslot. Seamus Mullins mare produced a likeable effort at Kempton to score two weeks ago and she could find the front running tactics working a treat at a course where she has obliged previously. Paul Nicholls has a pair and Medicinal has been Ruby Walsh's pick. The application of a tongue strap appears to have made plenty of difference to the ex-Irish performer and he is sure to give another good account here. Oslot has tended to run his better races at this time of the season. However, he hasn't appeared to have ran at anything like his best since landing the Galway Plate. Wincanton specialist Sou'Wester would not mind if the ground starts to dry out. Oceanas des Obeaux was well held at Kempton behind Tartak but he is in off a light racing weight this afternoon. Lidjo De Rouge has to leave behind a modest effort last time out. Strawberry should strike again.
Oslot (FR) 9-1 (11-12) Always rear division, never a factor, tailed off, 9th of 14, 38l behind Stan (10-11) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gs in Jan.
Medicinal (IRE) 7-1 (10-10) Held up, headway 5 out, kept on same pace from 3 out, 4th of 10, 10l behind I'msingingtheblues (11-0) at Doncaster 2m hcp chs (2) gs in Jan.
Strawberry (IRE) 15-2 (11-6) Made all, hit 13th, pressed from 3 out, kept on gamely flat, won at Kempton 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs beating Pretty Star (10-12) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Sou'wester 25-1 (11-8) Held up, hampered and lost place 4th, carried on detached and made some ground from 2 out, 4th of 8, 29l behind Lorient Express (10-10) at Sandown 2m hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Jan.
Oceanos des Obeaux (FR) 14-1 (11-7) Led until 2nd, chased leader, led 8th, hit 4 out, headed 3 out, soon no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 15l behind Tartak (11-7) at Kempton 2m 4f Grad Ch (2) gs.
Lidjo De Rouge (FR) 25-1 (10-0) Mid-division until weakened after 4 out, tailed off and pulled up 2 out in race won by The Sawyer (10-0) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) hvy in Jan, 13 ran.
