chased leaders from 3rd, hit 8th, close 3rd when mistake 4 out, soon ridden, one pace from next, jumped right 2 out and last
prominent, hit 4th, not fluent 7th, soon ridden, weakened 9th, behind and pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders, led 7th, drew clear after 2 out, ran on well
held up behind leaders, ridden into 3rd 3 out, weakened flat
chased leaders until jumped slowly 3rd, behind, some late progress, never troubled leaders
led until 7th, pressed winner, ridden after 3 out, no chance with winner from next
In this two-mile handicap chase, Bohemian Spirit is selected ahead of L'Orient Express and Pardishar. Bohemian Spirit's second to Kalca Mome at Cheltenham on December 12th rates as a fair effort and he can go well today. Jacks Craic still looks weighted up to his best while Bongo Fury disappointed when beaten at Sedgefield last time. Much as the handicapper is also proving slow to relent with L'Orient Express, Venetia Williams' gelding might have the race run to suit so cannot be ruled out. If anywere near his best on his seasonal return, Pardishar should go well, and he is the type to do well this season, and Charlton Kings won cosily at Ascot last time but the grader has reacted accordingly and raised him ten pounds. However, he can't be ruled out but our selection is Bohemian Spirit.
Jacks Craic (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Soon struggling, behind and pulled up at the 6th in race won by Jericho III (11-2) at Ascot 2m 1f hcp chs 0-140 (2) gd in Dec, 12 ran.
Bongo Fury (FR) 5-4fav (11-7) Led to 6th, led again 2 out, headed last, kept on flat, held near finish, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Transit (10-8) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy in Dec.
Bohemian Spirit (IRE) 12-1 (9-13) Tracked leader, led 6th until after 3 out, rallied to take narrow advantage until headed and no extra run-in, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Kalca Mome (11-1) at Cheltenham 2m hcp chs 0-150 (2) sft in Dec.
Lorient Express (FR) 4-1 (11-4) Held up in mid-division, headway after 9th, every chance when blundered 4 out, soon ridden, no impression, 3rd of 9, 11l behind Pearl King (10-8) at Wincanton 2m hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Dec.
Pardishar (IRE) 4-1 (11-6) In touch when pulled up at the 6th in race won by Made In Montot (11-0) at Wincanton 2m nov chs (3) gd in Apr, 4 ran.
Charlton Kings (IRE) 10-3 (11-8) Made most, hit 4th, headed 6th until 8th, kept on well, ridden out, won at Ascot 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-115 (3) gd in Dec beating Witness Run (11-7) by 2l, 9 ran.
