chased winner, ridden after 2 out, no impression
last, struggling from 7th, well beaten 3 out
jumped left, made all, canter
Nonrunner
A Hare Breath was well backed on his chasing debut in a decent race at Bangor and didn’t disappoint. He should be capable of better still but it’s a worry that he has to give 8lb here to the five-year-old ROMAIN DE SENAM. Paul Nicholls’ charge hasn’t managed to win in his first two runs over fences but jumps well enough and he was actually rated 4lb higher over hurdles than his likely market rival. Agreement and Sussex Road will be relying on accidents to get competitive with the former tackling fences for the first time.
Agreement (IRE) 50-1 (11-7) Mid-division, hampered on bend after 6th, well behind from next, 10th of 15, dist behind Seas Of Green (11-2) at Warwick 2m 5f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Sussex Road (IRE) 33-1 (10-0) Struggling towards rear after 2nd, pulled up after 6th, at Hereford 2m 3f hcp (5) sft in Dec.
Romain De Senam (FR) 7-2 (10-12) Raced keenly, tracked leading pair, left 2nd 9th, pushed along before 2 out, no impression when lost 2nd at the last, ridden edged left and and weakened run-in, 3rd of 4, 2 3/4l behind Icing On The Cake (10-3) at Newbury 2m hcp (3) gs in Dec.
A Hare Breath (IRE) 2-1fav (10-13) Went left and mistake 1st, in touch on outer, went 2nd 4 out, upsides 2 out, ridden to lead flat, stayed on well, won at Bangor 2m 1f (4) sft in Dec beating Gala Ball (10-13) by 5l, 7 ran.
