jumped left, with leader and keen, led 3rd, drew clear from 2 out
in touch, chased winner from 3 out, no impression from next
in touch and keen, in 5th and one pace when mistake 2 out
held up, headway after 3 out, one pace
always towards rear
held up and keen, effort 3 out, weakened from next
tracked leaders when blundered and unseated rider 3rd
led to 3rd, chased winner until weakened from 3 out
mid-division, chased leaders from 3 out, one pace
held up, ridden 3 out, stayed on approaching next
chased leaders, in 3rd when fell heavily 3 out
always behind
Many out of form sorts in the line up for the opener where Storm Prince, Capistrano and Watch Out are the ones that make most appeal. Storm Prince who has been sliding down the ratings, stands out amongst those mentioned with proven course form in the book and a very capable jockey on board. Two miles may be on the sharp side but they tend to go at a rate of knots in these races and that will play to his strengths. Capistrano weakened out of contention very early in his latest outing, suggesting something was amiss. A second on his penultimate start would leave him in with a chance here though. Watch Out would be one of the least exposed of these over hurdles however, if his flat form is anything to go by, he will not achieve much over obstacles. He never got in the shake up last time in a weak event and could not be put forward with any great confidence. Although disappointing on his latest effort, Storm Prince makes most appeal in an otherwise poor contest.
Southburgh (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) In rear, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Finnegans Rainbow (10-10) at Fakenham 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd in Feb, 14 ran.
Storm Prince (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) With leader, not fluent 4th, soon ridden and lost 2nd, weakening when hit 3 out, 10th of 12, 35l behind Pacco (10-11) at Towcester 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Mar.
Mr Twins (ARG) 40-1 (10-0) Always behind, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Izzykeen (10-6) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Mar, 13 ran.
Watch Out 11-2 (10-0) Towards rear, ridden 5th, weakened 3 out, 5th of 12, 32l behind Captain Becket (10-8) at Exeter 2m 3f nov sll hdl (5) gs in Mar.
Wickedish 22-1 (9-11) Chased leaders, weakened approaching 2 out, 13th of 17, 49l behind Kingsbury (10-9) at Catterick 2m sll hdl (5) gf in Mar.
Capistrano 12-1 (11-0) Soon in rear and pulled up 4 out in race won by Fair Dual (10-10) at Lingfield 2m hcp hdl (5) gd in Mar, 21 ran.
Quick Judgement (IRE) 50-1 (10-2) Mid-division, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 12th of 17, 38l behind If Only I Knew (9-13) at Leicester 2m amt hcp hdl 0-100 (4) hvy in Jan.
Multeen Gunner 33-1 (10-5) Led until 4th, not fluent next, gradually weakened, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Alpha Gamble (10-12) at Folkestone 2m 5f amt hcp chs (5) gs in Jan, 12 ran.
Errol 50-1 (10-12) In touch until weakened 4th, last of 14, well behind Devilfishpoker Com (11-3) at Catterick 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) sft in Jan.
First Frost 66-1 (10-0) Tracked leader, ridden and weakened 3 out, 13th of 17, well behind Decree Nisi (11-5) at Kempton 2m hcp hdl 0-90 (5) sft in Mar.
By Storm 100-1 (9-7) Chased leaders until weakened 3 out, 5th of 10, 39l behind Osako D'airy (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 1f ldy hcp hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Strong Approach (IRE) 150-1 (11-1) Always behind, last of 13, 38l behind Jamestown Bay (10-8) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gd in Mar.