not jump well, always behind
in touch, left 2nd 3rd, weakened after 3 out
made all, left clear 3rd, hit last, unchallenged
chased winner until blundered and unseated rider 3rd
This looks a match between Sargasso Sea and Hardybuck with the vote going to Sargasso Sea. The selection was a good second behind First De La Brunie last time out., That horse has since franked the form and under similar conditions he is taken to score. Hardybuck rates the main danger on his latest fourth behind Launde but he has given the impression in the past that he would be suited by a longer trip and for that reason he is opposed. Black Canvas showed a modicum of ability last season but may need the run after a 476 day absence while Back de Bay needs to improve on all known form to trouble the judge and for the winner we return to Sargasso Sea.
Back de Bay (IRE) 100-1 (9-12) In touch, slightly hampered 7th, pecked 8th, weakened 10th carried out 4 out in race won by Parkinson (9-10) at Leicester 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft in Feb, 16 ran.
Blank Canvas (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Pulled hard, held up in rear, headway under pressure 4 out, chased leading trio next, no chance when blundered last, 4th of 9, 14l behind Kings Bay (10-5) at Windsor 3m nov hdl (E) gs in Nov '04.
Sargasso Sea 20-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, led after 13th, headed after 3 out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 12, 8l behind First De La Brunie (10-5) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs (4) sft in Jan.
Hardybuck (IRE) 11-1 (10-10) Prominent to 8th, 4th of 11, 26l behind Launde (11-2) at Leicester 2m mdn chs (4) sft in Feb.
