chased leader, challenged 3rd, led 9th, jumped left 2 out, ridden out
jinked right and fell 1st
led until 9th, not fluent next and pushed along, not fluent 4 out, soon beaten
A disappointing turnout where GUNS OF LOVE is begrudgingly offered as our call. Robin Dickin's gelding has placed on a softer surface in the past and having won well at Taunton last week, it looks significant that the trainer does not wish to wait to see what the assessor will make of that performance. Irish Guard probably needs a bit further though the handicapper has dropped him 20lb since he ran on Boxing Day. Here's The Key has ran a number of moderate races with no friends in the betting ring. Donald Will Do is a previous course and distance winner who showed little sparkle on a recent seasonal reappearance.
Irish Guard 14-1 (11-0) With leader, led 2nd to 11th, ridden and lost place next, weakened before 3 out, tailed off, 8th of 13, dis behind Basoda (11-9) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Apr.
Here's The Key (FR) 20-1 (11-0) Prominent until 6th, soon ridden and weakened, tailed off, 9th of 11, well behind Flower Haven (9-8) at Huntingdon 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Apr.
Donald Will Do (IRE) 11-2 (10-12) Led, jumped right 8th, headed 10th, weakened 14th, tailed off, 6th of 8, 46l behind Gerrard (11-1) at Southwell 3m hcp 0-100 (4) gd.
Guns of Love (IRE) 13-2 (10-5) Handy 3rd until went 2nd before 6th, led 8th, ridden clear after 4 out, all out, won at Taunton 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd beating Beauchamp Viking (11-0) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
