tracked leaders in 4th, chased winner approaching 4 out, kept on towards finish, just held on for 2nd near line, no chance with winner
in rear, blundered 3rd, struggling from after 8th, well behind when jumped badly left 10th, soon pulled up
held up towards rear, struggling from 8th, pushed along next, never dangerous
made all, drew clear approaching 2 out
tracked winner, ridden approaching and weakened 4 out
held up towards rear, reminders after 6th, in 5th when stumbled badly on landing and unseated rider 11th
tracked leaders in 3rd, outpaced after 4 out, kept on from 2 out, just held for 2nd near line
held up towards rear, ridden after 5 out, soon lost place
A decent contest where POLYFAST is the suggestion to get back to winning ways, while Quartz De Thaix and Song Sung Blue are others with claims. The last-named has been really well placed throughout his career to date and has a thoroughly consistent record, although his sole win came last time out on soft ground at Plumpton. This sort of trip is ideal for him and he can go well, though a 7lb rise will be tough enough to deal with. Quartz De Thaix has a similar profile, having made the frame in all his four most recent runs, although comfortably accounted for on each occasion. He has not yet convinced over trips as far as this and from the same mark he is taken on. The return to this trip should suit Pickamus, and although he was well beaten from a 1lb higher mark last time out he might show up much better today and is not written off. Carlitos was thrashed by the selection on his return from a lengthy lay-off but should strip fitter for that and a market check is advised, but we will stick with Polyfast. Nicky Henderson has an excellent record at this track and our pick gets his preferred ground conditions, while the drop back to 2m 4f looks ideal, as he did not stay last time. We give him another chance today.
Carlitos 8-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, mistakes 10th and 12th, ridden to challenge 3 out, weakened next, 4th of 13, 29l behind Polyfast (10-12) at Kempton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Dec.
Irish Legend (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Towards rear, ridden approaching 6th, well behind next, tailed off when pulled up after 4 out, in a race won by Bertie May (10-10) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy in Dec, 9 ran.
Noble Crusader (USA) 11-2 (11-4) Held up towards rear, hit 8th, struggling after 13th, 6th of 11, 31l behind Sunnyhillboy (11-9) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Feb.
Pickamus (FR) 5-2fav (11-10) Chased winner, mistake 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 8, 13l behind Bleak House (11-7) at Doncaster 2m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Jan.
Polyfast (FR) 9-4fav (11-0) Held up early, headway to chase leaders from 7th, driven in 3rd before 3 out, weakened soon after, 5th of 11, 40l behind Nicto De Beauchene (10-11) at Kempton 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Feb.
Quartz de Thaix (FR) 15-8fav (11-0) Led, jumped big and slowly until headed 4th, better after, chased leader, led bypassing omitted 3 out, hit and headed 2 out, no chance with winner when left clear 2nd last, 2nd of 6, 13l behind King's Forest (11-0) at Taunton 2m 3f beg chase (4) gs in Feb.
Song Sung Blue (IRE) 13-8 (11-0) Tracked leader, jumped right throughtout, mistake 1st, led 7th, under pressure from 2 out, not fluent and jumped right last, stayed on gamely all out, won at Plumpton 2m 4f beg chase (4) sft in Jan beating Lupanar (11-0) by nk, 3 ran.
Markila (FR) 8-1 (11-3) Held up in rear, took keen hold, headway 6th, ridden after 8th, soon outpaced, weakening when not fluent 3 out, 7th of 10, 42l behind Bella Haze (10-5) at Ludlow 2m 5f mares hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Feb.
