held up in touch, weakened before 9th, detatched before 4 out, behind when pulled up next
led until approaching 9th, mistake next, weakened before 3 out, modest 3rd
chased leaders, mistake 3rd, driven approaching 2 out, every chance after last, no extra closing stages
tracked leader, lost place 2nd, jumped slowly throughout, weakened 7th, soon detatched, pulled up before 9th
tracked leader, led before 9th, hard driven before 3 out, strongly challenged after last, stayed on gamely
Crafty Roberto remains a shade high in the weights judged on recent efforts while Chankillo failed to complete off today's mark last time having won over track and trip on Boxing Day. Showboater was still beaten 12 lengths when runner-up at Fontwell having been raised 8lb after landing a double at the same track and Taunton winner Gallic Warrior found a 7lb rise beyond him at Leicester recently. EXPLAINED won over course and distance back in 2014. Only 2lb higher today having missed the whole of last year, he should be sharper for a promising comeback at Ludlow and may prove good enough.
Explained (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Soon in touch on outside, led 3rd, headed before 4 out, rallied 2 out, soon ridden, upsides and every chance last, kept on, held towards finish, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Grimley Girl (11-5) at Ludlow 2m hcp (4) sft in Feb.
Crafty Roberto 6-1 (11-7) Led to 4 out, ridden before last, kept on same pace, 4th of 6, 9 1/4l behind Ubaltique (11-6) at Haydock 2m hcp (3) hvy in Jan.
Gallic Warrior (FR) 8-11fav (11-7) Tracked leaders, went 2nd after 2nd, led 4th, jumped right and not fluent 4 out, headed before last, no extra and lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 5, 7 1/4l behind Pret A Thou (11-7) at Leicester 2m hcp (4) hvy in Feb.
Showboater (IRE) 4-5fav (11-11) Led or disputed lead virtually throughout, ridden after 3 out, kept on until no extra and weakened closing stages, finished tired, 2nd of 3, 12l behind Golanova (11-12) at Fontwell 2m 5f hcp (4) hvy in Feb.
Chankillo 6-1 (11-12) Held up, reminder after 3rd, mistake next, jumped slowly and struggling 5th, not fluent and behind 6th, pulled up before 7th, at Towcester 2m hcp (5) hvy in Jan.
