took keen hold., settled in 3rd, went 2nd soon after 12th, ridden and lost 2nd 3 out, soon no chance
tracked leader, niggled along after 10th, lost 2nd soon after 12th, outpaced after 4 out, well beaten when blundered next
led, ridden and headed 2 out, soon no chance with winner but kept on for clear 2nd
held up last but well in touch, closed up 11th, tracked leading pair after 4 out, went 2nd next, led 2 out, driven and in command before last, soon clear, eased near finish
Venetia Williams is double-handed and it is her topweigt Kelrev that is put forward as the answer ahead of Shalako and Tregastel. A disappointing turnout of just five contest what is now the penultimate event on the card, and the step up in trip may prove the answer for Kelrev who failed to quicken when second to Genghis over hurdles at Exeter last time. He scored over fences at Uttoxeter just over 12 months ago but shot up the weights as a result. However, he did finish second in Listed company of a mark of 132 at Cheltenham last season, so has the class to win this and the longer journey should be to his advantage. He makes much more appeal than stablemate Trouble Ahead who returns to the fray, and a bigger danger is Shalako who has been most consistent but needs to get his jumping together. Tregastel was most impressive when beating Spring Lover at Plumpton and as it appears that the French import has now fully acclimatised, he is another that should go well under Tony Dobbin. Despite topweight though, we reckon that Kelrev can make the return to fences a winning one.
Kelrev (FR) 3-1fav Held up towards rear, headway and chased leader 4th, ridden approaching 3 out, not quicken, 2nd of 7, 19l behind Genghis at Exeter 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gs.
Shalako (USA) 11-8fav Led to 5th, led 6th to before 10th, led 3 out and mistake, headed 2 out, no extra flat, 3rd of 5, 3l behind Calvic at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs (D) sft in Jan.
Uncle Wallace 10-3 Held up in rear, moderate headway when mistake 4 out, soon beaten, 4th of 5, 21l behind Chef Tartare at Chepstow 2m nov hcp chs 0-125 (C) sft.
Trouble Ahead (IRE) 10-1 Led to 4th, led again 5th, headed 7th, remained prominent until weakened quickly and pulled up at the 10th in race won by Moss Harvey at Perth 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (D) sft in Apr, 10 ran.
