chased leaders, weakened from 6th
led to 3rd, remained close up, challenged from 3 out, soon beaten
prominent, lost place 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
in rear, reminders halfway, soon tailed off
led from 3rd, clear approaching 2 out, driven out
in rear when fell 2nd
tracked leaders, lost place after 6th
chased leaders to 8th, regained moderate 3rd approaching 3 out
mid-division, weakened approaching 9th
behind from 7th
held up, headway to chase leaders 8th, quickly weakened approaching 3 out, pulled up before last
Superrollercoaster may have been found another suitable opportunity by connections and he is selected ahead of Kercabellec and Sound Of Cheers. Oliver Sherwood's charge should appreciate this track and with regular pilot, Leighton Aspell aboard, he may just have this handicap still within his compass. Kercabellec had built up an unfortunate reputation as a professional loser but those days look behind him. Genuinely soft conditions appear to bring out the best in him and as a course-and-distance winner, he holds solid claims. Sound Of Cheers has ability and Kenny Johnson replaces Michael McAllister in the plate. The handicapper is giving the horse a chance but his sound jumping is often compromised by a distinct weakness in his finishing. Denvale is surely better than his latest performance suggests whilst Birdwatch wears cheekpieces in an attempt to translate hurdling form over the bigger obstacles. Supreme Tadgh looks best watched at the moment. Superrollercoaster has risen up the handicap but he may still be progressive enough to take this and we offer him the tentative vote in a competitive race.
Supreme Tadgh (IRE) 28-1 (11-0) In touch, jumped slowly 5th, lost touch 12th, tailed off, 6th of 7, well behind Even More (11-9) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Feb.
Denvale (IRE) 4-1 (11-9) Made most until headed 10th, jumped slowly next, weakened 13th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Another Conquest (10-7) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Feb, 8 ran.
Superrollercoaster 9-4fav (11-1) Chased leaders, went 2nd 10th, chased new leader 3 out, not fluent last, stayed on to lead final strides, won at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Feb beating Ballykiln (10-9) by a hd, 7 ran.
Lifes A Flyer (IRE) 11-2 (11-7) Prominent, led 12th, headed 13th, weakened before next, tailed off, 3rd of 4, well behind Tinarana Lord (11-11) at Bangor 3m hts chs (6) sft.
Kercabellec (FR) 6-1 (9-9) Chased leaders, led 7th, driven out, won at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft beating Haggle Twins (11-5) by 4l, 10 ran.
Sound Of Cheers 8-1 (10-4) Chased leaders, ridden 11th, rallied after next, weakened after 4 out, 5th of 7, 36l behind Sands Rising (10-13) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Feb.
Birdwatch 12-1 (11-8) Chased leaders, lost place halfway, 9th of 11, well behind Marshall Hall (11-8) at Ayr 2m nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft.
Iloveturtle (IRE) 20-1 (11-5) Mid-division, headway 9th, hampered 12th, slightly outpaced approaching 3 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out, 5th of 13, 9l behind Casalani (11-4) at Leicester 2m 7f hcp chs (5) sft in Feb.
Sailor A'Hoy 11-1 (10-0) Prominent, lost place 6th, effort 11th, weakened 14th, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Mage d'Estruval (11-1) at Bangor 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) hvy, 6 ran.
Iron Warrior (IRE) 7-1 (10-4) Held up, mistake 4th, ridden and lost touch 11th, 3rd of 6, well behind Trisons Star (10-12) at Newcastle 3m nov hcp chs 0-115 (3) hvy.
Been Here Before 4-1 (9-11) Tracked leader, challenged 4 out, ridden and outpace 2 out, beaten and eased flat, 4th of 6, 26l behind Trading Trouble (11-6) at Catterick 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft.