chased clear leader, steadily closed on leader from 7th, led approaching 2 out, kept on well, pushed out
led, soon clear, ridden, headed approaching 2 out, no extra
held up, driven along after 6th, virtually fell, unseated rider 8th
held up, headway to moderate 3rd 9th, stayed on from 4 out, jumped right 2 out
chased leaders until 8th, soon behind
held up, some headway 7th, weakened 9th
Forest Green, Cheeky Lad and Spuradich look the horses for the shortlist and we side with Forest Green. The selection won in the manner of an odds-on shot on his latest start and while he has been expensive to follow in the past, it might be worth chancing him again at this level. Cheeky Lad has had plenty of chances but cannot be easily discounted. He handles fast ground and the market is watched on reappearance. Spuradich is another to return from absence though he will need to have improved upon his Hereford Novice victory. Theocritus often travels well but invariably disappoints. Wild Power and Jupon Vert are exposed. Forest Green has less negatives than most and receives the confident selection.
Forest Green (FR) 4-7fav (10-12) Tracked leaders in close 3rd, led 4 out, in command from next, hit 2 out, eased flat, won at Fontwell 2m 2f beg chs (4) gf beating Carpet Ride (10-9) by 14l, 4 ran.
Cheeky Lad 12-1 (11-11) With leader, led 3rd, headed next, then again 5th, headed 9th, weakened 4 out, 6th of 10, well behind Avitta (11-7) at Hereford 2m 3f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Nov.
Spuradich (IRE) 16-1 (11-9) Not fluent, always behind, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Hello It's Me (10-10) at Ludlow 2m 5f amt hcp hdl (4) gs in Dec, 16 ran.
Theocritus (GER) 4-1 (11-1) In touch, slow jump 3rd, hit 10th, chase leaders 3 out, weakened soon after, 3rd of 10, 17l behind Ice Bucket (11-4) at Hereford 2m 3f nov chs (4) sft in Dec.
Jupon Vert (FR) 4-1 (11-12) Led until after 9th, soon ridden, weakened 3 out, 4th of 6, 22l behind Surfboard (12-0) at Wincanton 2m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf.
Wild Power (GER) 5-1 (10-6) Held up, headway 2nd, chased leading pair 4 out, faded approaching last, 4th of 6, 15l behind Chery D'or (11-7) at Chepstow 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Apr.