close up, disputed lead 3rd, led 4 out, forged away after 2 out, hit last, pushed out run-in, comfortably
held up in 4th, shaken up and went 2nd 3 out, not fluent 2 out and pushed along, soon left behind by winner, plugged on
led, joined 3rd, headed and tracked leader 4 out, weakened quickly before next, tailed off
chased leaders, pushed along 3 out, not fluent 2 out, soon beaten
Abaya Du Mathan is well treated nowadays but on a long losing run. Le Ligerien made all at Plumpton having a first run for new connections and that is stronger form than Blacko’s defeat of two rivals in a beginners’ chase at Leicester. JOBESGREEN LAD won over 2m5f here in November and followed up at Ludlow. A further 8lb rise looks harsh but he is clearly heading in the right direction.
Le Ligerien (FR) 11-1 (11-11) Jumped well, made all, pushed clear before 2 out, reduced lead at the last, always in command, unchallenged, won at Plumpton 2m 1f hcp stks (4) gd in Feb beating Fairway Freddy (12-0) by 2 3/4l, 7 ran.
Jobesgreen Lad 10-3 (11-9) Tracked leaders, left 2nd 10th, not fluent 13th, led before 4 out, clear last, stayed on, won at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Dec beating Judex Lefou (10-7) by 3 1/4l, 10 ran.
Blacko (FR) 5-4 (11-2) Made all, ridden 2 out, ran on, won at Leicester 2m (3) gd in Feb beating Extraordinary Man (11-2) by 4l, 3 ran.
Abaya Du Mathan (FR) 22-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, went 2nd 4th, led 3 out, headed before 2 out, no impression last, lost 2nd and no extra flat, lost 3rd close home, 4th of 10, 18l behind Art Decco (12-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp (5) gs in Jan.
