tracked leaders, went 2nd 2 out, soon ridden, kept on under pressure flat, not quite reach winner
tracked winner to before 3rd, in touch, chased winner again 3 out to next, no impression with front pair between last 2
made all, ridden before last, held on gamely flat
held up in rear, struggling and lost touch after 7th, tailed off 4 out, soon pulled up
in touch, tracked winner before 3rd, lost place when mistake 3 out, soon outpaced, well held in 4th from next
The three previous winners in this are probably still improving but TRIXSTER’s form looks superior to that of Skandiburg and Stoney Rover and Tim Vaughan’s raider can make the long journey from South Wales pay off with a third victory this season under 7lb claimer Charlie Price. Richard Johnson rode the selection when he scored at Warwick in October but rides Top Of The Charts for Warren Greatrex in this, though he’ll need to improve for the fitting of cheekpieces.
Skandiburg (FR) 8-11fav (10-12) In touch, dropped to rear 7th, headway 3 out, led bend approaching last, not fluent last, ran on, won at Fakenham 2m 4f (4) gs in Dec beating Three Bullet Gate (10-12) by 10l, 5 ran.
Stoney Rover (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Tracked leader, disputed lead after 6th, led 2 out, soon driven and hard pressed, headed last, ridden and no impression with winner flat, 2nd of 8, 2 3/4l behind Highland Hunter (11-4) at Hexham 2m 4f (4) hvy in Dec.
Trixster (IRE) 5-2fav (11-5) Close up on inside, lost place briefly 5th, led after 2 out, hung right flat, ridden and held on, won at Chepstow 3m (4) hvy in Dec beating Ballyart (10-12) by hd, 9 ran.
Strathy 100-1 (11-5) Always towards rear, tailed off, 11th of 12, dist behind Whoshotthesheriff (11-5) at Ayr 2m (4) sft in Jan.
Top Of The Charts (FR) 33-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, pushed along and lost place soon after 6th, pulled up 2 out, at Bangor 2m 4f (4) sft in Dec.
