tracked leader, mistake 4 out, ridden 2 out, close up when hampered last
held up, headway 3 out, ridden 2 out, led approaching last, ridden out
tracked leaders, mistake 4 out, led approaching 2 out, narrowly headed when fell last
always in rear, pulled up before 2 out
held up, ridden from 3 out, kept on, never trouble leading pair
led, quickened up 5th, ridden and headed after 3 out, weakened 2 out
held up, mistake 3rd, not fluent 4th, ridden and every chance 2 out, faded last
It oftens pays to side with horses with a progressive profile and PATSY FINNEGAN fits the bill here, while Smuglin is among potential dangers. The selection has trip and ground to suit here and there looked to be plenty more to come when he was a workmanlike winner at Ludlow last time. Chasing looks to be his long-term forte but for now there is fun to be had over hurdles and it can continue today. Smuglin receives a stone from the selection, plus the useful Harry Skelton's 5lb claim, and now that she is back on a sound surface we may see her show more than in two previous hurdles outings. Having said that she didn't do badly last time, but did make the odd jumping gaffe and if overcoming that issue then she can get closely involved. Laustra Bad looks well handicapped on old form but has not quite shown enough of late to get us interested here, while Celticello has a solid profile and should be thereabouts. Absolut Power has been done no favours by the assessor for finishing in the frame and we prefer the claims of Patsy Finnegan.
Laustra Bad (FR) 11-4 (11-12) Chased leaders, driven 6th, soon weakened, struggling after, 4th of 8, 35l behind Victorias Groom (11-6) at Lingfield 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft.
Patsy Finnegan 5-4fav (11-6) Held up, headway 8th, led 3 out, pushed out flat, comfortably, won at Ludlow 2m 5f nov hcp hdl (3) gd in Feb beating Archie Gunn (10-13) by 2l, 9 ran.
Or Sing About (FR) 6-1 (10-12) Led until after 3rd, bad mistake 7th, relegated to last, tried to close after 2 out, weakened approaching last, 5th of 6, 13l behind Commemoration Day (11-8) at Stratford 2m 7f nov chs (3) gf in Oct.
Arctic Magic (IRE) 4-6fav (10-12) Mistake 2nd, jumped slowly 3rd, last when hampered and unseated rider at the 7th in race won by Marsh Court (11-4) at Warwick 2m 4f mrs nov chs (4) gs, 4 ran.
Cavallini (USA) 10-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, headway and in touch after 4 out, weakened under pressure approaching 2 out, 6th of 11, 29l behind Edgbriar (11-1) at Newbury 2m 5f nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Nov.
Absolut Power (GER) 11-1 (11-7) Pressed leader, led 2 out, headed between last 2, stayed on same pace, flat, just held on for 2nd, 2nd of 18, 3 1/2l behind Lady Pilot (11-7) at Huntingdon 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Dec.
Smuglin 9-2 (11-1) Held up behind, blundered 1st, ridden approaching 2 out, went 2nd last, kept on flat, 2nd of 7, 3l behind Ellen Tilley (11-1) at Wincanton 2m 6f mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Celticello (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) Held up in rear, took keen hold, headway approaching 7th, went 2nd on bit after 3 out, challenging when hit 2 out, carried right flat, not run on, 2nd of 9, nk behind Bring It On Home (10-13) at Stratford 2m 3f sll hdl (4) gs.
