held up and keen, ridden and headway 4 out, weakened 3 out, left poor 2nd last
led, headed 3rd, ridden from 7th, soon behind
held up and keen, led 3rd, clear advantage 5th, ridden when mistake 3 out, challenged when fell last, remounted
held up and raced wide, headway to track leader from 6th, ridden when joined leader last, left clear last
Saafend Rocket can get the better of Oracle des Mottes and Forest Chief in this beginners' chase. Henry Daly is always a trainer to follow at the Shropshire venue, and Saafend Rocket will be a popular choice to gain his third course win. Those two previous victories have been over hurdles, but since going chasing he has been a regular sight round here, and was only just touched off by Roschal on his latest visit. He failed to give his true showing at Sandown next time, but back here, and dropped in trip, he should go close. Oracle des Mottes shot up the handicap after being just touched off over hurdles at Kelso the time before last, so Paul Nicholls has probably been forced to go chasing with the ex-French Flat winner. He is sure to have been well schooled, but lacks the experience of the selection. Forest Chief shaped well enough when third on his chase debut at Wincanton, but based on his form over timber, is another that will struggle to stop Saafend Rocket from opening his account, and although he will be a short price, it is hard to oppose him.
Forest Chief (IRE) 11-2 Keen, tracking leaders, hit 8th, ridden approaching 4 out, hit 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 6, 10l behind Reviewer at Wincanton 2m beg chs (D) gd.
Let's Rock 14-1 Soon ridden in rear, tailed off when pulled up at the 7th in race won by Woodenbridge Dream at Hereford 2m nov hcp chs 0-100 (E) gf, 7 ran.
Oracle des Mottes (FR) 4-1 Prominent, ridden approaching 3 out, one pace, 3rd of 7, 23l behind Genghis at Exeter 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gs in Feb.
