tracked winner, no impression when hit 2 out, mistake last
made all, jumped well, clear 2 out, very easily
always in last place, ridden after 3 out, weakened before next
Nonrunner
This is a little easier than some of the tests that ESCORT'MEN has been set this season. His third to Molotof at Warwick two runs ago was a decent effort and he could upset likely favourite Private Equity on this sharp track as Nicky Henderson's charge has been running over longer trips, though did win a race over 1m3f on the Flat in his native France. Ugo won twice over hurdles but was tailed off on his fencing bow at Ludlow while Hoback Junction appears to have lost his way.
Escort'men (FR) 28-1 (10-4) Towards rear, went poor 4th from 11th, soon weakened, 9th of 10, well behind Ballynagour (10-0) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs 0-150 (2) sft in Feb.
Private Equity (FR) Evensfav (10-13) Led until after 1st, led next, out of view before 6th, still in lead when in view 11th, pecked 4 out, narrowly headed when in view final 100 yards, stayed on, 2nd of 8, nk behind El Dancer (11-0) at Leicester 2m 4f beg chase (4) sft in Mar.
Ugo (USA) 16-1 (10-11) Went left 1st, in rear, tailed off when mistake 8th, 9th of 11, dis behind Filbert (11-0) at Ludlow 2m nov chs 0-125 (4) sft in Jan.
Hoback Junction (IRE) 40-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, pushed along after 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 6th of 7, well behind Bellflower Boy (10-12) at Southwell 2m 4f clm hdl (5) hvy in Mar.