led until blundered and unseated rider 2nd
tracked leader, awkward 1st, left alone next, not fluent 5th
NonRunner
THE UNIT was also entered in a Grade 2 yesterday at Kempton but looked to have a better chance of getting off the mark over fences in this. He came up against a smart novice at Huntingdon in November and has been waiting for the ground to dry out a little. Space Oddity and Copain De Classe filled the places behind Benatar at Ascot in November. The latter was making his debut over fences that day and is a pound better off so there should be little between them again.
Space Oddity (FR) 15-8 (11-12) Chased leaders on outside, led 4 out, headed 3 out, no impression on winner, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 5, 3 1/4l behind Kauto Riko (10-11) at Taunton 2m hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Copain De Classe (FR) 3-1fav (11-4) Held up in touch, challenged on outside 3 out, every chance next, one pace between last 2, ridden and no impression with front pair flat, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Benatar (12-0) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
The Unit (IRE) 11-4 (11-2) Chased leaders, went 2nd 7th, not fluent 10th, hit 3 out and 2 out, not pace of winner flat, 3rd and held towards finish, 3rd of 5, 1 3/4l behind Willoughby Court (11-2) at Huntingdon 2m 4f (3) gd in Nov.
Zamparelli (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Mid-division, no impression 3 out, 5th of 9, 29l behind Embole (10-7) at Wincanton 1m 7f (4) sft in Feb.