mostly chased winner, reminder 4th, not fluent 8th, no impression before last
tracked leaders, pulled hard and looked awkward ride, lost place 7th, struggling 12th, closed 4 out, weakened after next
held up, went 3rd from 7th, not fluent 13th, ridden after 4 out, no impression on winner from 2 out, switched right and tried to challenge for 2nd flat
made all, not fluent 10th or 3 out, clear before last, stayed on well
Knockrobin is not badly weighted and has undergone wind surgery since last in action at Newcastle back in December. A visor is added to Grand Morning’s usual headgear as he looks to complete over fences for the first time having pulled-up in both previous attempts but this can go to WESTERN RULES. An easy winner in novice company over a shorter trip here in January, Nicky Henderson’s charge can race off the same mark back in a handicap with a conditional’s allowance furthering his cause. Claud And Goldie is hard to recommend but is at least assured of some prize money if completing.
Knockrobin (IRE) 13-2 (11-8) Tracked leaders, ridden to challenge 4 out, led before next, headed approaching last, weakened closing stages, 5th of 6, 5 3/4l behind Skipthescales (11-0) at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Grand Morning 7-2 (11-8) Keen in rear, jumped slowly, under pressure halfway, tailed off 5 out, pulled up before next, at Wetherby 3m hcp (3) gs in Jan.
Western Rules (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders, left in 2nd at 7th, led 2 out, drew clear last, very easily, won at Kelso 2m 6f (4) gd in Jan beating Shepherd Storm (10-12) by 19l, 3 ran.
Claud And Goldie (IRE) 8-1 (11-1) Mid-division, hit 6th, modest 4th when not fluent 5 out, left remote 3rd 2 out, no chance with leaders, mistake last, 3rd of 8, 20 1/4l behind Donna's Diamond (11-1) at Kelso 2m 7f (3) gs in Dec.
