Though only 1-21, Rare Clouds has been threatening to get his head back in front and was only beaten half-a-length on soft going at Chepstow last month. Collateral form gives him the beating of Champagne Rhythm, who is fitted with cheekpieces today. Fourofakind is probably better than he’s shown so far this season but it’s hard to get away from Newcastle winner TUNE IN A BOX with Tom Lacey’s stable in great form at present.
Rare Clouds 18-1 (11-2) In rear, in touch, pushed along and headway 3 out, went 3rd 2 out, disputed lead last where not fluent, ridden and every chance run-in, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 9, 1/4l behind Wot You Wearing (10-2) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Fourofakind (IRE) 11-2 (11-9) Midfield, slightly hampered by faller 4th, not fluent 5th, ridden and outpaced before 3 out, tailed off before 2 out, 7th of 12, dist behind Asian Spice (10-6) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (4) gs in Nov.
Tune In A Box (IRE) 9-2 (10-9) Mid-division, headway into 3rd home turn, led 2 out and pushed along, kept on strongly, readily, won at Newcastle 3m hcp (5) sft in Nov beating Just Jess (10-11) by 9 1/2l, 10 ran.
Champagne Rhythm (IRE) 18-1 (11-13) Towards rear, headway to chase leaders before 4 out, weakened before 3 out, 6th of 8, 29 3/4l behind Percy Veering (11-4) at Ffos Las 3m hcp (5) sft in Nov.
Borodale (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Towards rear, not fluent 5th, outpaced before 2 out, ridden after last, weakened run-in, 7th of 9, 9 1/4l behind Welsh Charger (11-8) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp (4) gs in Dec.
