chased winner, led 10th to next, chased winner, driven 16th, lost 2nd before 3 out, weakened
always behind, hit 13th, struggling before 4 out
held up, reminders 11th, driven 16th, headway into 3rd, blundered 3 out, stayed on approaching last, went 2nd flay, closed on winner, never quite able to challenge
chased leaders, dropped to rear after 11th, never going after, driven 16th, soon struggling
chased leaders, chased winner before 3 out, no impression next, lost 2nd flat, kept on
chased leaders, ridden, weakened 13th, jumped right after
mostly jumped well, led to 10th, led next, clear before 2 out, driven out flat
Zacharova and Fresh Air And Fun are closely matched at the revised weights on their running here last month and there should not be a lot between the pair today but both may have to settle for minor honours behind STAGECOACH OPAL, who gets the vote. Sue Smith's gelding should be suited by running here having jumped to the right at Newcastle last time when not beaten far and he looks to have solid claims having been dropped 2lbs since then and receiving weight all round. Antonius Caesar lost no caste in defeat behind Pretty Star at Ludlow last time but has a bit to find with the selection on running at Doncaster previously so he may be best watched. Alan King's Stolen Moments ran creditably in defeat at Chepstow last month and has every opportunity on that evidence but the burden of 11st 12lb may be beyond him. Zacharova won well here last month and has every chance of again getting the better of Fresh Air And Fun, although his jockey Aiden Coleman can no longer claim 3lbs as he did that day and the pair are closely matched. Stagecoach Opal looks well treated though and he gets the vote to gain a deserved success.
Stolen Moments (FR) 9-1 (11-6) In touch, went 2nd 4th, ridden 4 out, ridden and every chance when pecked 2 out, faded, 4th of 7, 4l behind Victory Gunner (9-13) at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) hvy in Feb.
Mister Quasimodo 40-1 (10-4) Mid-division, reminders 9th, slightly hampered 11th, stayed on well on outside after 2 out, went 3rd soon after last, never going pace to reach front pair, 3rd of 15, 13l behind New Little Bric (10-2) at Newbury 2m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gd.
Trigger The Light 15-2 (11-7) Held up, close up when brought down 4 out in race won by Gone To Lunch (11-7) at Newbury 3m Grad Ch (2) gs in Dec, 5 ran.
Zacharova (IRE) 13-2 (11-4) Ran in snatches, chased leading pair until lost place and ridden 11th, renewed effort from 15th, chased leaders 3 out, challenge 2 out, soon led, in command before last, driven, won at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Feb beating Fresh.
