mid-division, headway to track leaders 7f out, chased winner 3f out to over 1f out, one pace
in rear, pushed along over 4f out, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
soon led, made rest, clear 1f out, eased near finish
slowly in to stride, mainly in rear
chased winner until 7f out, ridden 5f out, weakened 3f out
keen, mid-division, headway over 3f out, went 3rd over 2f out, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, kept on same pace
close up, outpaced 3f out, no danger after
close up, chased winner 7f out until over 3f out, weakened 2f out
Aphrodisia is arguably the form pick but has had plenty of chances and therefore Flight Dream gets the nod to win at the fifth time of asking. Mick Quinlan's charge has the blinkers on for the first time in the hope of eking out some more improvement and with Jamie Jones able to claim a valuable five pounds, the five-year-old may get off the mark. He bumped into a decent one in Calculating last time and there doesn't appear to be such a danger in this field. The main danger is probably Aphrodisia who has been given a break since finishing second on his all-weather debut. That was a fair performance and now dropped back into maiden company he should run well. Niqaab has shown glimpses of ability in weak races, whilst the most promising newcomer could be Outlandish who has shown some ability in several bumper runs. He, along with the other horses coming across form the National Hunt scene need to be watched in the betting, however in an ordinary heat it is Flight Dream who is taken to score.
Flight Dream (FR) 11-4 (9-6) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 7, 9l behind Calculating (9-3) at Southwell 1m 3f mdn stk (5) fbs.
Mondial Jack (FR) 8-1 (10-10) In touch, led 15th, ridden when headed approaching 4 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 12, 28l behind Ashwell (11-7) at Ludlow 3m cnd hcp chs (5) gs (N.Hunt).
Outlandish 14-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, mistake last, 12th of 18, 30l behind Group Captain (11-0) at Newbury 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec (N.Hunt).
Renege The Joker 100-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders, weakened over 4f out, 11th of 14, well behind Pebrock (10-7) at Southwell 2m 4yo nhf (5) sft (N.Hunt).
Allez Melina 28-1 (9-12) Chased leaders, hit 3 out, weakened 2 out, 6th of 15, 16l behind Mr Ex (10-12) at Towcester 2m nov sll hdl (5) gd in May (N.Hunt).
Gouranga 16-1 (9-1) Close up until lost pace 5f out, soon weakened and well behind over 3f out, tailed off, last of 10, 46l behind Isa'af (8-11) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Aphrodisia 2-1fav (9-2) Took keen hold, soon tracking leaders, driven to press winner over 1f out, held final 100 yards, 2nd of 14, nk behind Spritza (9-4) at Kempton 1m 4f hcap (6) pol in Sept.
My Monna 14-1 (10-0) Prominent, ridden 5f out, weakened over 3f out, 12th of 14, 31l behind Ice And Fire (10-8) at Lingfield 2m amt hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Niqaab 9-2 (8-5) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, chased winner from over 1f out, hampered and not clear run well inside final furlong, not recover, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Steig (9-7) at W'hampton 1m 4f mdn stk (5) pol.