chased leaders, driven 6th, soon weakened, struggling after
led until after 2nd, prominent, ridden to lead 6th, headed 2 out, soon lost 2nd, weakened before last
held up in last pair, mistake and ridden 5th, driven and struggling next
tracked leaders, went 2nd going well well before 2 out, came wide into straight and led 2 out, well clear last, eased near finish
chased leaders until dropped to rear 6th, well behind and struggling 3 out, blundered next, mistake last, tailed off
took keen hold, raced wide, led after 2nd, headed 6th, weakened and hit 3 out, well behind when pulled up before next
last pair, moderate 4th after 3 out, wide into straight and no impression, tailed off
chased leaders, hit 3rd, driven along after 6th, went 2nd and hit 3 out, regained 2nd soon after 2 out, no chance with easy winner
Daryal is interesting on his first start for Gary Moore, especially if the market agrees; however LAUSTRA BAD was backed for a better race last time and is taken to make amends for that second today. David Pipe's gelding takes a drop in class this afternoon after a close second at Southwell last time. The handicapper has react4ed with a 5lb rise in the weights but he may still be on a fair mark and is nominated accordingly. Daryal has won here before but over a shorter trip. He looked a little reluctant at times when seen in spring of last year for Alan King but he may have been rejuvenated by a change of scenery and it is interesting that he goes without the blinkers. Space Mission and Serhaaphim were both a tad disappointing when last seen and need to bounce back, whilst Princess Flame and Owlesbury Dream give Brendan Powell tow darts at the bull¿s-eye. With the stable having a great season it would be unwise to rule out Quentin D'Ex who started the 118 favourite on his UK debut but he was pulled up and Charlie Mann will be hoping to see more today. A tricky handicap, but top-weight Laustra Bad is fancied to get back to winning ways.
Laustra Bad (FR) 9-2 (10-6) Chased leader, pushed along after 6, went 2nd approaching last, soon every chance until held post, 2nd of 14, shd behind Oscardeal (10-5) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gs in Feb.
McGruders Cross (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Prominent, ridden approaching 3 out, soon driven and weakened, 14th of 17, well behind Greenbelt (10-6) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Jan.
Daryal (IRE) 3-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, ridden after 8th, weakened before 4 out, 5th of 8, 40l behind Major Euro (9-11) at Newbury 2m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft.
Victorias Groom (GER) 20-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, challenged for 3rd on outside 2 out, weakened flat, 5th of 19, 11l behind Cathedral Rock (11-10) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Feb.
Serhaaphim 9-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened before 3 out, tailed off, 5th of 12, 42l behind Hello Moscow (11-3) at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) hvy in Feb.
Princess Flame (GER) 3-1fav (11-3) Tracked leaders, led after 4 out, headed before 2 out, soon weakened, 6th of 15, 12l behind Prosecco (10-9) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Jan.
Quentin D'ex (FR) 11-8fav (11-3) Held up mid-division, hit 3rd, hit 4 out, soon weakened and pulled up 3 out in race won by Corlande (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Nov, 9 ran.
Federstar (GER) 22-1 (11-8) Always towards rear, tailed off and pulled up 2 out in race won by Wychwoods Legend (11-9) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Jan, 19 ran.
Space Mission (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, went 2nd before 2 out where mistake and weakened soon after, 9th of 19, 21l behind Cathedral Rock (11-10) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Feb.
Owlesbury Dream (IRE) 33-1 (10-6) Always behind, never on terms, 9th of 14, 20l behind Oscardeal (10-5) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gs in Feb.
