tracked leaders, mistake 4th, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
prominent, lost place 7th, rallied and switched right approaching 2 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, lost place 4th, soon behind
keen, with leader, led 3rd to after 5th, led again 8th to approaching 2 out, ridden approaching last, one pace flat
led to 3rd, led again after 5th to 8th, led again approaching 2 out, ridden out
Nonrunner
This is a tricky race for punters to call but Caballe, Polished and Gaucho are all worthy of consideration and the vote is given to Caballe. The selection won well last time out and although he has a penalty for that win he is from a yard that continues in good form and he remains one of the least exposed in the field. If he adapts on his chasing bow then he should take plenty of beating. Polished ran well when third behind Corrib Lad at Carlisle last time but the second home in that race Needwood Spirit has given the form a knock by coming out and disappointing. But it will be interesting to see how he fares today on his return to the bigger obstacles. Gaucho would have claims on the pick of his form but this 8-year-old has been well below his best of late and he is hard to put forward with any confidence. Colonial Sunset is another who would have claims on his best form but he may be better over further and for the winner we return to Caballe.
Gaucho 50-1 Chased clear leader until weakened after 5f out, 4th of 8, 45l behind Parknasilla at Wetherby 2m beg chs (E) sft in Jan.
Kercabellec (FR) 16-1 Chased leader, blundered and weakened 9th, last of 5, 23l behind Specular at Huntingdon 2m nov chs (C) sft in Feb.
