led, ridden and headed over 2f out, kept on same pace
mid-division, headway 7f out, effort over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
mid-division, headway 4f out, ridden over 2f out, chased winer over 1f out, kept on
mid-division, headway 7f out, weakened over 4f out
mid-division, headway 7f out, weakened 3f out
tracked leaders, led well over 1f out, ran on well, ridden out
held up, headway over 4f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
held up, headway 5f out, effort and hung left 3f out, weakened 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, kept on same pace
mid-division, headway 4f out, effort 3f out, one pace after
chased leaders until 6f out
This should be informative. The Big Orse is taken to defy his penalty but has no easy task with Pharaon De Touzaine and King Of Castile already having shown promise and a host of well bred newcomers in opposition. It's never easy to defy a penalty but The Big Orse's form stands up to close scrutiny and it was hard not to be impressed with the way he decimated his opponents over course and distance last time. This looks tougher but he may prove up to the task. Pharaon De Touzaine and King Of Castile have both shown enough to indicate that they can win one of these but the newcomers should be respected. Mad Max is reported to have pleased in his homework but as he's a big horse there's a chance that he may just need this run. Captain Oscar hails from a yard that gets winners in these contests whilst For His Sins, Wandering Minstrel and Quatro Pierji are others that take the eye on paper. The market should help sort them out but The Big Orse sets the standard.
The Big Orse 11-2 (10-13) Made all, stayed on strongly, comfortably, won at Newbury 2m nhf (5) sft in Dec beating Rock Salmon (11-2) by 10l, 12 ran.
Buffalo Bob (IRE) 3-1 (10-13) Prominent, went 2nd 2 out, left in lead last, soon headed & not quicken, 2nd of 9, 11l behind The Good Guy (10-7) at Whittington 2m 5f ptp gf in Apr.
Captain Oscar (IRE) Oscar gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Caspar of Tarsus (IRE) Moonax gelding out of a mare pulled up in two Irish points.
For His Sins (IRE) Dr Massini gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Might As Well Terimon gelding, half-brother to 2007 point winner Alfie Be.
Pharaon de Touzaine (FR) 25-1 (11-0) Held up, steady headway after 6f, ridden to chase leaders over 3f out, kept on, 3rd of 13, 2l behind Kingston Lane (11-7) at Chepstow 2m nhf (5) sft in Dec.
Wandering Minstral Accordion gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Chateau Blanc Grand Lodge gelding out of the useful 7f-1m2f winner Diamond White.
Dais Return (IRE) Lahib gelding, half-brother to numerous winners on the flat and over jumps including smart jumper Paddy's Return.
King of Castile 13-2 (10-12) Towards rear, ridden, headway 5f out, kept on under pressure, 3rd of 13, 2 1/2l behind Call Me A Legend (10-5) at Towcester 1m 5f nhf (5) gd in Nov.
Quatro Pierji (FR) Robin Des Champs gelding, half-brother to winners on the flat and over hurdles.
Tostaky (FR) 100-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 6f out, 12th of 15, well behind Lord Generous (10-12) at Cheltenham 1m 4f nhf lst (1) gs.
