tracked leaders, ridden to challenge, hit 2 out, led narrowly last, edged left under pressure flat, just held on
led until headed 2 out, soon weakened
tracked leader, challenged 2 out, ridden and every chance last, carried left flat, just held
held up in touch, headway 3 out, led narrowly next, ridden and headed last, kept on same pace flat
held up, outpaced after 4 out, soon beaten, tailed off
held up, headway 3 out, challenged next, soon ridden, kept on and every chance until no extra flat
Tazbar gets the confident vote here with Lodge Lane and Viking Rebel rating the main dangers. The selection was slightly disappointing behind Pettifour last time out but prior to that he had been in good form he looks sure to appreciate this better ground and he is taken to regain the winning thread. Lodge Lane rates the main danger on his best form, he was outclassed at Cheltenham last time and will find this easier so should be watched in the market. Viking Rebel won well last time when beating Fresh Winter, he looks sure to improve for the return to this longer trip but all his best form is on a softer surface and he is taken on with this in mind. Of the remainder Pride of Dulcote hails from the in-form Paul Nicholls yard but he has plenty to find on official bha figures and for the winner we return to Tazbar.
Lodge Lane (IRE) 6-1 (11-7) Mid-division, mistake 8th and 9th, soon pushed along, progress after 2 out, weakening when mistake last, eased flat, 14th of 18, well behind Nenuphar Collonges (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Mar.
Silver By Nature 10-3 (12-0) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon lost place, kept on approaching last, 3rd of 16, 17l behind Cash Man (11-2) at Kelso 2m nov hdl (4) hvy.
Tazbar (IRE) 13-8fav (11-4) In rear, headway 10th, slightly outpaced approaching 3 out, weakened before 2 out, 6th of 13, 17l behind Pettifour (11-4) at Aintree 3m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) gd.
Viking Rebel (IRE) 11-8fav (11-5) Held up mid-division, headway 8th, left in lead 3 out, ridden, soon under pressure, kept on well from last, won at Newcastle 2m 6f nov hdl (2) gs in Feb beating Fresh Winter (11-8) by 1 1/2l, 14 ran.
Oh Pickles (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Mid-division, reminders 7th, soon lost place, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Bold Ransom (10-7) at Newcastle 3m nov hdl (3) sft in Jan, 16 ran.
Pride of Dulcote (FR) 7-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, headway and wandered approaching fifth, chased leaders, ridden and every chance approaching last, not quicken, 2nd of 14, 2 1/2l behind Oscar Bay (11-7) at Chepstow 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
