tracked leader, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, led approaching 3 out, ridden 2 out, all out and headed close home
held up, headway 4 out, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, kept on well to lead close home
jumped badly right first, behind from 4th, pulled up and dismounted 3 out
held up, closer order after 6th, close up when stumbled 3 out, no extra flat
held up, headway after 6th, ridden when mistake 2 out but one pace
led, slow and headed briefly after 6th, approaching 3 out, weakened next
Leamington Lad has run some respectable races and deserves to get his head in front but Jonathan Geake's horses have not been in good form of late so he may have to settle for a minor role again with a chance given to Dariak, who gets the vote ahead of the newcomer Precious Dancer. The selection seemed not to appreciate the testing conditions in two starts over hurdles in Ireland prior to an improved display on his British debut at Fakenham before falling when held in second place at the second last. Provided that has not left its mark, Dariak may be able to gain his first success over timber. Always Baileys has not progressed as much as may have been anticipated and of more interest may be a couple of the newcomers. Tempting Paradise was unexposed after just six starts on the level in Ireland and makes his first start for trainer Evan Williams having been off the track since October. Precious Dancer has an even longer absence to overcome but comes from a yard in good form so has to be respected. The last two mentioned both have to be respected but it may be worth taking a chance with Dariak.
Always Baileys (IRE) 11-2 (9-13) Towards rear, steady headway after 6th, plugged on one pace, 4th of 16, 4 1/2l behind Valuta (10-9) at Hereford 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gf.
Corum (IRE) 5-1 (10-9) Took keen hold in mid-division, headway 5th, mistake 3 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out, 4th of 16, 6l behind Give Me A Dime (11-2) at Towcester 2m 3f mdn hdl (4) gf.
Dariak (FR) 8-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, went 3rd 3 out, saddle slipped and unseated rider 2 out in race won by Doctor David (10-9) at Fakenham 2m cnd mdn hdl (4) gd in Mar, 12 ran.
Hits Only Life (USA) 25-1 (8-7) Always behind, last of 10, 20l behind Mahmjra (9-1) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Feb (Flat).
Leamington Lad (IRE) 7-2 (11-8) Held up, in touch, ridden after 3 out, one pace from next, last of 6, 24l behind President Royal (11-4) at Exeter 2m 1f 4yo nov hcp hdl (3) hvy in Feb.
Precious Dancer 12-1 (8-9) Held up off the pace, pushed along 4f out, headway on inner over 1f out, stayed on final furlong but never able to challenge, 4th of 10, 5l behind Ogee (9-4) at Windsor 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) gf in May (Flat).
Tempting Paradise (IRE) 15-8fav (9-5) Soon led, joined briefly 4f out, ridden clear from over 2f out, stayed on well, comfortably, won at Ballinrobe 1m 4f 3yo mdn sft in Oct beating Meteor Shower (9-5) by 13l, 15 ran (Flat).
King of Chav's (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Mid-division, weakened and pulled up 3 out in race won by Ahmedy (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f 4yo nov hdl (4) gf, 13 ran.
