tracked leaders, led 5th, stayed on well from last, ridden out
held up towards rear, hit 5th when weakened, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
led, jumped left 1st, headed 5th, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden to chase leader after 2f out, weakened flat
mid-division, headway 5th, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
mid-division, headway 5th, one pace in 3rd when pulled up before 2 out
held up behind, some headway approaching 3 out, behind when hampered 2 out
tracked leader, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened
held up mid-division, headway halfway, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened
held up, headway 5th, weakened after 3 out
always behind, badly hampered by loose horse, brought down last
Osako D'airy is our choice to land this tricky contest, Caribou and Atlantic Story may prove to be the main rivals. The Steve Gollings trained gelding was twice successful in France before being thrown in at the deep end on his British debut. He was as short as 12/1 for a grade two hurdle at Sandown won by Kasbah Bliss. He never really got in a blow in that contest but with his sights lowered today he looks to have very strong claims. Caribou was successful at Leicester in December beating Cava Bien He disappointed a little at Plumpton next time out but that was a stronger race than this and he should be the one to threaten our selection. Atlantic Story could be the pick of the newcomers. Mick Easterby's son of Stormy Atlantic finished a close second in a Newmarket handicap off a mark of 84. He will no doubt have been well schooled by his astute handler and any market confidence should be heeded. Of the others Beautiful Night has shown plenty of ability, but Osako D'airy gets a narrow vote in a race where the betting will be a major guide.
Caribou (FR) 5-2jt-fav (11-5) Led to 2nd, led 4th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened flat, 4th of 11, 8l behind Pace Shot (11-5) at Plumpton 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Osako D'airy (FR) 12-1 (10-12) Held up, challenged 5th, every chance 3 out, ridden and weakened before next, 5th of 8, well behind Kasbah Bliss (11-5) at Sandown 2m juv nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Feb.
Power Glory 150-1 (10-12) Towards rear, behind and fell at the last in race won by Afsoun (11-6) at Huntingdon 2m 4yo nov hdl (2) gd in Feb, 10 ran.
Trappeto (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, behind from 5th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Shamayoun (10-12) at Southwell 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Feb, 13 ran.
Beautiful Night (FR) 14-1 (10-6) Held up mid-division, headway 4th, hit next, ridden to chase leaders 2 out, no extra, 4th of 18, 5l behind Saraba (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Mar.
House Martin 25-1 (8-8) Always behind, 8th of 12, 6l behind Gallego (8-6) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 45-70 (6) pol in Mar (Flat).
Atlantic Story (USA) 9-2 (9-4) Led, ridden clear inside final furlong, edged right and caught post, 2nd of 12, hd behind Danehill Willy (8-12) at Newmarket 1m 2yo hcp 0-95 (C2) sft in Oct '04 (Flat).
Laconicos (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Pulled hard, held up, ridden, headway 3 out, weakened before last, 7th of 11, 14l behind Misbehaviour (11-7) at Huntingdon 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Feb.
