handy early, slow jump 1st and dropped to 3rd, pushed along 2 out, kept on one pace, never on terms with front pair
chased clear leader, pushed along after 3 out, ridden and no impression run-in
made all, soon clear, 4 lengths ahead 4 out, jumped right last, pushed out run-in, unchallenged
in rear and always detached, mistake 12th, pulled up before 5 out
in rear, unseated rider 1st
NonRunner
WAGNER arrives in fine form having won a couple of these contests this year. He’s weighted to come out best and the hat-trick beckons. Zamparelli won this last year and a recent placed effort between the flags suggests he’ll make another bold bid but Bletchley Castle disappointed when sent off favourite over these fences last week. The remainder are hard to fancy though Lucky Lara is fitted with additional headgear.
Wagner (IRE) 3-1 (12-6) Chased leaders, landed steeply 1st, not fluent 6th, lost place and not fluent 9th, headway 13th, outpaced after 4 out, rallied into 9 lengths 2nd when left in lead but pressed 2 out, challenger made error last, drew clear flat, won at Wincanton 2m 4f (6) sft in Mar beating Maitree Express (11-12) by 5l, 6 ran.
Zamparelli (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) (bl) (tt) went 2nd 4-11; chsd wnr 2 out; r.o, 2nd of 5, 1l behind Southfield Theatre (12-0) at Larkhill 3m gs in Feb.
Bletchley Castle (IRE) 6-4fav (11-12) Led until 12th, lost 2nd 3 out, no extra last, 3rd of 5, 24l behind Stratagem (12-2) at Ludlow 2m 4f (4) gd in Mar.
Jethro Said (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, ridden along over 3f out, soon weakened, 8th of 9, 35 3/4l behind Copper Cove (11-5) at Exeter 2m 1f (5) sft in Feb.
Lucky Lara (IRE) Evensfav (11-5) Raced keenly, chased leaders, went 2nd 8th until before 12th, clipped the top of 13th, slithered and unseated rider 13th, at Catterick 3m 1f mdn (6) gs in Mar.
Pointed And Sharp (IRE) 4-1 (12-0) Hdwy 15; wknd 2 out; virt pu flat, 5th of 6, 36l behind Country Legend (11-7) at Milborne St Andrew 3m gd in Mar.
