chased leader, led 5 out, hard ridden when challenegd at last, stayed on strongly
held up in touch, headway 8th, chased leader next, driven to challenge from 2 out, kept on well under pressure
in rear when fell 4th
led, headed 5 out, weakened next
chased leaders, lost place after 2nd, soon towards rear, rallied before 4 out, stayed on to go 3rd approaching last, never a threat
chased leader, driven to challenge approaching 4 out, under pressure when blundered 2 out, soon weakened
held up in rear, under pressure when fell 3 out
Sir Valentino loves it around here as he demonstrated a couple of weeks ago where he defied a last-fence error. He's up another 7lb and was behind ARKAIM when Pam Sly's charge won here a year ago. The latter pulled much too hard when beaten a long way at Ascot but back with his regular pilot can return to winning ways. Jayo Time started joint favourite when Sir Valentino won here last time but was impeded at the first and unshipped his rider. His two previous visits to the track brought victories so he's an obvious threat to all. Vivaccio also came to grief early in that race a fortnight ago and though inconsistent he completed a double over the course around this time last year so can't be discounted.
Sir Valentino (FR) 9-2 (11-9) Chased leaders, left 2nd 3rd, not fluent and led 3 out, not fluent 2 out or last, ran on well, won at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) sft in Dec beating Ozzy Thomas (11-0) by 1 3/4l, 9 ran.
Jayo Time (IRE) 3-1jfav (11-10) Held up in rear, hampered and unseated rider 1st, at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Arkaim 14-1 (10-12) Led, jumped right and hit 7th, headed next, lost 2nd 3 out, ridden and weakened approaching next, 7th of 9, 29 1/2l behind Dresden (11-6) at Ascot 2m 1f hcp (2) gs in Nov.
My Brother Sylvest 12-1 (11-10) Led, fell 3rd, at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Vivaccio (FR) 9-1 (11-9) Tracked leader, blundered and unseated rider 2nd, at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Lightening Rod 10-1 (11-9) Held up, outpaced when taking 4th 3 out, no impression, weakened next, 4th of 9, 19 3/4l behind Sir Valentino (11-9) at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Kudu Country (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Mid-division, fell 1st, at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) sft in Dec.