in touch, ridden after 7th, weakened before 3 out, pulled up after 2 out
always prominent, ridden approaching 3 out, led after 2 out, stayed on, driven out
led until 2nd, prominent, led 6th, ridden and headed after 2 out, 4th and beaten when mistake last
prominent until weakened 3 out
mid-division, ridden and headway 3 out, one pace from 2 out
mid-division until weakened approaching 3 out
held up behind, ridden and steady progress from 3 out, 8th when fell 2 out
keen, led 2nd until 6th, weakened after next, tailed off and pulled up after 2 out
always mid-division
mid-division, hit 3rd, ridden and headway after 7th, stayed on, went 3rd flat
held up towards rear, ridden and headway from 3 out, stayed on to go 4th flat, nearest finish
chased leaders until weakened after 7th, behind and pulled up after 2 out
in touch, headway 7th, ridden and every chance approaching 2 out, switched left approaching last, chance soon after, no extra
held up towards rear, hampered on bend after 7th, never a danger
mid-division, ridden and headway 3 out, kept on same pace from 2 out
always behind, tailed off and pulled up after 7th
mistake 1st, in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, hampered 2 out, weakened
Any number to consider in a race which features some really nice types and should prove to be informative. Black Ven, Pettifour and The Apprentice all rate highly whilst Von Galen is sure to be popular but we'll put The Jazz Musician forwards at a potentially more rewarding price. Colin Tizzard has made no secret of the regard in which he holds this gelding and a tilt at the Festival bumper was being considered prior to his return at Chepstow. He was no match for a Nicholls hotpot that day and connections have changed tack. His lack of experience is a concern but his bumper form stands up to close inspection and it will be disappointing if he doesn't show up well. The three penalised runners already mentioned must be feared whilst it would be dangerous to take the form of Definite Edge's hurdling bow at face value. The Vicar and Orion D'Oudairies have shown promise over hurdles, Washango has shown up well in bumpers and there are some interesting sorts returning from lay-offs. Von Galen showed a smart level of form in points in Ireland and looks like fulfilling that promise judged on his debut second to Or Bleu at this venue; today's longer trip will suit and a big run looks assured from this exciting prospect but we like the look of The Jazz Musician.
Black Ven (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, led briefly 7th, ridden 3 out, led 2 out, kept on gamely, won at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gs beating Piste Aux Etoiles (10-7) by 2l, 13 ran.
Pettifour (IRE) 12-1 (11-6) Held up, headway 7th, led 3 out, jumped right, headed 2 out, kept on to lead again flat, won at Hereford 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan beating Crocodiles Rock (12-2) by 1l, 16 ran.
The Apprentice (IRE) 7-2fav (11-9) Held up and keen, hung left throughout, one pace from 3 out, 8th of 22, 14l behind Lease Lend (11-9) at Doncaster 2m 3f nh nov hdl (3) gs in Jan.
Timpo (FR) 11-4fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, ridden and every chance 2 out, kept on same pace from last, 4th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Kornati Kid (11-1) at Wincanton 2m 6f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Turbulance (IRE) 11-4fav (11-9) In touch, headway 8th, hit 4 out, chased winner 2 out, jumped right, no impression, 2nd of 11, 3 1/2l behind New Team (11-6) at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft.
Changing Lanes 10-1 (10-12) Towards rear, pushed along after 5th, never a factor, 6th of 11, 47l behind Alsadaa (11-2) at Plumpton 2m nov hdl (4) gf in Sept.
Definite Edge (IRE) 3-1 (11-3) Mid-division, headway after 4th, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out, 6th of 16, 18l behind Osolomio (11-3) at Chepstow 2m mdn hdl (5) gs.
For His Sins (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) Mid-division, headway 7f out, weakened 3f out, 12th of 14, 48l behind Mad Max (11-4) at Newbury 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Lord Nellerie (FR) 13-8fav (11-11) Keen, mid-division, headway7th, led after 9th, soon clear, unchallenged, won at Hereford 2m 3f hts chs (6) gf in May '06 beating Nominate (11-11) by 30l, 16 ran.
Mr Nick (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Held up, steady headway from 7f out, chased leaders final 2f, kept on under pressure final furlong, 3rd of 17, nk behind Tokala (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m nhf (H) gd in Oct '05.
Orion d'Oudairies (FR) 33-1 (11-4) Mid-division, headway after 5th, disputing 2nd when fell 3 out in race won by Or Bleu (11-4) at Newbury 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan, 13 ran.
Tamadot (IRE) 11-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden in close 4th when mistake 3 out, weakened quickly and pulled up 3 out in race won by Sound Accord (11-0) at Newbury 3m mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan, 20 ran.
Thegalleryman (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Close up in 2nd, slight mistake 5 out, ridden to challenge after 3 out, 3rd when slightly hampered last, no extra close home, 4th of 18, 5l behind Optimus Prime (11-12) at Listowel 2m 4f 5yo mdn hdl hvy in Sept '06.
The Jazz Musician (IRE) 2-1fav (11-4) Prominent, led halfway, ridden when headed over 3f out, soon held by winner, 2nd of 15, 3 1/2l behind Mahonia (11-4) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) gs.
The Vicar (IRE) 5-2fav (11-4) Mid-division, headway 4 out, weakening when mistake 3 out, 5th of 16, 14l behind Cruchain (11-4) at Ludlow 2m nh mdn hdl (4) sft.
Von Galen (IRE) 9-1 (10-13) Mid-division, headway to track winner 4th, staying on when hampered 2 out, drifted left run-in, held near finish, 2nd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Or Bleu (11-4) at Newbury 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Diana Biscoe 100-1 (10-6) Took keen hold in touch for 12f, 17th of 18, well behind I'm Delilah (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f mrs nhf (4) gd in Apr.
Washango (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, stayed on final 2f, no danger, 7th of 10, 5l behind Uffa Fox (11-4) at Ascot 2m nhf Grd 2 (1) gf in Dec.
