Choochoobugaloo romped home by 10 lengths at Kelso but has been raised a massive 14lb. Last year’s third Dragon Khan is only 2lb higher and is sure to strip fitter for a run at Uttoxeter while Stonecoldsoba is often thereabouts in races at this level. BOLD REASON still hasn’t proved his stamina but is only four and has more scope than the majority of these. He’s not overburdened on his handicap debut so gets another chance. Bonne Question hasn’t had much racing in the last couple of years but hails from a yard that can get one ready at home.
Stormingin (IRE) 10-1 (11-6) Mid-division, pushed along and weakened after 3 out, 13th of 15, dist behind Texan Nomad (11-0) at Wincanton 1m 7f hcp (4) gd in Jan.
Stonecoldsoba 14-1 (11-6) Held up in last pair, never on terms, 6th of 10, 16 3/4l behind First Quest (11-11) at Plumpton 2m hcp (4) gs in Jan.
Bonne Question (FR) 8-1 (10-7) Keen in mid-division, weakened after 3 out, last of 12, 36 1/4l behind Hassle (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Jun.
Oscar Vespasian (IRE) 25-1 (11-12) 2 led until fell 1st, at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (5) gd in Nov.
Bold Reason (GER) 10-1 (10-12) Towards rear, headway after 3rd, challenged 5th, not fluent 3 out, 4th and no extra from 2 out, mistake last, 4th of 14, 14 3/4l behind Teaser (10-12) at Warwick 2m mdn (4) gs in Dec.
Choochoobugaloo 6-5fav (10-6) Held up behind, smooth headway 3 out (usual 4 out), poised to challenge last (usual 2 out), led on bit over 1f out, pushed clear final 120 yards, easily (final flight on both circuits omitted, low sun), won at Kelso 2m hcp (5) gd in Jan beating Lady Samback (10-4) by 10l, 8 ran.
Ex S'elance (FR) 9-1 (10-3) Mid-division, ridden and weakened after 6th, 6th of 11, 20l behind Suggestion (11-1) at Wetherby 2m hcp (4) gs in Dec.
Dragon Khan (IRE) 25-1 (10-11) Towards rear, ridden and no impression 3 out, 9th of 15, 23 1/4l behind Delface (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (5) sft in Dec.
Remember Nerja (IRE) 10-1 (10-8) Last trio, dropped to last pair before 5th, struggling in rear 3 out, tailed off, 6th of 7, 28 3/4l behind Tierra Verde (11-12) at Taunton 2m hcp (5) gd in Jan.
Zorlu (IRE) 33-1 (10-0) Prominent, led 4th, headed before 6th, led again approaching 4 out, headed when blundered next, soon weakend, 13th of 16, dist behind Silver Quay (11-2) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp (5) gs in Jan.
