jumped well, tracked leader, led 4th, made rest, kept on well from 3 out, readily
led until 4th, close up when awkward and unseated rider 6th
chased leaders, chased winner 12th, ridden 3 out, weakened into 4th when blundered 2 out
held up, headway to chase leaders, 9th, reminders after next, driven to chase winner before 3 out, mistake next, no impression when dropped to 3rd before last
held up, not fluent 2nd, lost touch 9th, plugged on approaching 3 out, tailed off
raced on inside, in touch, driven after 11th, mistake and weakened next, tailed off
chased leaders, outpaced after 4 out, rallied before next, went 2nd before last, no chance with winner
Merchant Red is a fascinating runner but he's got an absence to contend with and we prefer BUSY ISIT, whilst Holmwood Legend is another to consider in a race where a few arrive in form. Felix De Giles takes the ride on our pick who seems to be improving still at the age of 10. The horse was disqualified when passing the post in first last time but has been bumped up 5lbs which does make life tougher, however he's got his beloved good ground, the right trip and a talented jockey aboard and we think compensation awaits. Holmwood Legend has won three of his last four but those wins have come in poor company and this rise in both weights and grade may end the spree for now. In fairness the horse is versatile and consistent and has his trip but the handicapper just looks to have him now. Merchant Red returns to race off a mark of 127 but he beat Lease Lend when last seen and that one is now rated fully 10lbs higher at 137, so if Paul Webber's charge is fit and ready to run after over 18 months off a big run would be likely. Royal Kicks is another who won last time and he's not been harshly punished for it although winning this would be a career best whilst Rockiteer has some nice bits and pieces of form but may be better over slightly shorter. Soleil Fix and Misty Dancer have to put poor efforts behind them and we'll return to Busy Isit who gets our vote.
Busy Isit 10-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, went 2nd after 7th, challenged 3 out, led narrowly next, soon ridden, hard pressed flat, edged right near finish (disqualified and placed 2nd), in a race won by Busy Isit (11-6) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Mar, 12 ran.
Soleil Fix (FR) 25-1 (11-6) Led after 1st, fell 11th, in a race won by Carlitos (11-4) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Mar, 10 ran.
Merchant Red (USA) 20-1 (11-1) In touch, ridden to lead 2 out, kept on well flat, won at Wetherby 2m beg chs (4) gf in Nov '08 beating Lease Lend (11-1) by 2l, 10 ran.
Holmwood Legend 5-2fav (11-7) Mid-division, headway to chase leaders halfway, led 4 out, soon driven, kept on well under pressure, won at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Mar beating Oncle Kid (10-4) by 2 3/4l, 9 ran.
Rockiteer (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd after 4 out until 2 out, kept on, 3rd of 5, 12l behind Lady An Co (10-4) at Taunton 2m beg chase (4) gf in Mar.
Misty Dancer 16-1 (10-13) Behind outpaced 4 out, weakened next, soon pulled up, in a race won by Meanus Dandy (11-1) at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Mar, 10 ran.
Royal Kicks (FR) 4-1 (10-3) Chased leaders, led after 3out, soon driven, clear approaching last, ran on well, won at Newton Abbot 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy in Mar beating Hereweareagain (11-8) by 4l, 7 ran.
