Goshen won at Ascot before finishing second in the Long Walk at Kempton on Boxing Day but is not the most straightforward. He hung badly right when last of three in last year’s renewal and is fitted with cheekpieces today. FIRST STREET looks a safer proposition as he won a Grade 3 contest at Newbury in November and a chance is taken he copes with the heavy ground. Molly Ollys Wishes drops back down in trip while Metier won a handicap hurdle on last year’s card but has a bit to find on these terms. Jason The Militant has some smart form in Ireland though hasn’t won since 2021 and debuts for a new yard.
Goshen (FR) 10-3 (11-7) Held up in 4th on inside, 2nd going well after 3 out, pushed along and every chance next, lost 2nd before the last, rallied into 2nd again towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 4 1/4l behind Paisley Park (11-7) at Kempton 3m 1f (1) sft in Dec.
Nells Son 3-1 (11-4) Towards rear, went 4th 5 out, ridden before 3 out, no impression, 4th of 7, 13l behind Bass Rock (11-4) at Carlisle 2m (3) sft in Nov.
First Street 7-2 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway 2 out, close 3rd last, no impression on winner flat, disputing 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 9, 6 1/4l behind Marie's Rock (10-13) at Cheltenham 2m 4f (1) sft in Jan.
Molly Ollys Wishes 9-4 (11-6) Led and soon clear, reduced lead when awkward 8th, quickened 3 out, ridden and headed before next where mistake, no chance with very easy winner, last of 3, 12l behind Miranda (11-0) at Kempton 3m lst (1) sft in Nov.
Jason The Militant (IRE) 7-4jfav (11-3) Tracked leader in 2nd, not fluent in 2nd behind clear leader at 3rd, took closer order 4 out, niggled along before 2 out where close 4th, weakened quickly before last, 4th of 5, 22 1/2l behind Jesse Evans (11-3) at Tipperary 2m (1) Good - Yielding in Oct.
Metier (IRE) 40-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, jumped slowly and mistake 4th, mistake and rider lost iron briefly 4 out, lost ground and no chance after, well beaten 3 out, tailed off, at Kempton 2m (1) sft in Dec.
Thibault 25-1 (9-9) Raced wide close up, headway to press winner 2f out, ridden and kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 13, 2 1/4l behind Mukha Magic (10-2) at Lingfield 2m hcp (5) pol in Jan.
