held up, tracked leader from 6th, ridden 4 out, every chance 3 out, weakened last
in touch, headway 13th, mistake 15th, ridden 4 out, kept on to take 2nd last, in vain
held up, ridden 4 out, weakened 2 out
led, jumped left mostly, ridden 3 out, headed 2 out and weakened last
tracked leaders, close-up 3 out, led 2 out, soon clear, ran on
Tribal Venture is the solid one here and is preferred to Lost Time and Beauchamp Oracle. The selection won three times over fences for Phillip Hobbs but was firmly held by the handicapper since scoring for the last time in October 2006. He continued to run up to form, making the frame on three of his last four starts and could prove difficult to beat here if running up to his best. Lost Time won once over fences in Ireland but appeared to lose his way and showed little on debut for this yard in October. It's possible that a change of routine may have rekindled his interest and the market can guide. Beauchamp Oracle is a pretty consistent sort and a useful yardstick in this grade; he should run his race but is likely to struggle to match strides with the selection, Tribal Venture.
Beauchamp Oracle 50-1 (12-0) In touch, lost place and behind from 11th, hit 16th, 10th of 13, well behind Joe Blake (12-0) at Stratford 3m 4f hts chs (2) gd in May.
Hip Pocket (IRE) 11-2 (11-0) In rear, not fluent 8th, 5th when fell at the 13th in race won by Benrajah (11-5) at Aintree 3m 1f hcp hts chs (3) gd in May, 11 ran.
Lost Time (IRE) 11-2 (10-5) Chased leaders, mistake 6th, ridden after 3 out, weakened after 2 out, last of 5, 23l behind Kings Brook (11-12) at Stratford 2m 5f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf in Oct.
Tom's Prize 2-1 (12-0) Led til hdd 15; wknd 2 out, 3rd of 6, 18l behind Ballylusky (12-7) at Cottenham 3m ptp gd in Dec.
Tribal Venture (FR) 6-1 (10-2) Mid-division, effort 12th, ridden and kept on, 3rd of 13, 4 1/2l behind Bowleaze (10-0) at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) gd in Oct.
