chased leader until 2nd, 4th when ridden 12th, outpaced 16th, stayed on flat to go 2nd near finish
in rear, ridden 16th, went moderate 3rd 4 out, beaten next, pulled up last
keen, made all, joined 11th, clear with one other 13th, 4 lengths clear 2 out, tried flat, kept on gamely
held up, progress to 3rd 12th until 4out, went 3rd again 3 out, went 2nd flat until near finish
chased winner, joined winner 11th until ridden 3out, weakened last, lost 2 places flat
Whistle Blowing's recent point-to-point form gives him a chance for last year's winning jockey, however VAN NESS is a straight-forward ride and he can score from the front; He's The Gaffer could be the main danger. Sophie George's gelding ran well here last month on ground that was arguably on the soft side, and now encountering quicker going he may be a hard hare to catch. He was second in this race twelve months ago and with regular pilot Tim Edwards onboard he looks worth a bet. He's The Gaffer looks the one to beat on official ratings however he is probably flattered by his rating and although the ground is in his favour and he comes here on the back of a win between the flags, he is reluctantly opposed. Back Nine tries a visor for the first time; his recent performances have resulted in very unattractive form figures and it would be no surprise to see his dummy come out today again. The ex-Irish Wickford is considered with the cheek-pieces on (wore them to victory over in Ireland in the past), whilst Whistle Blowing completes the field but his previous form under rules leaves him with plenty to find. This looks a good chance for Van Ness to dominate from the front.
Back Nine (IRE) 10-1 (12-1) Led to 4th, chased leaders, reminders 12th, lost place 14th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up after last, in a race won by Moncadou (11-12) at Fontwell 3m 2f hts chs (4) hvy in Feb, 9 ran.
He's The Gaffer (IRE) 9-1 (12-5) A handy; led app 2 out; kpt on, won at North Carlton 3m ptp in Feb beating The King of Angels (12-5) by 4l, 7 ran.
Van Ness (IRE) 5-1 (11-11) Led, joined 3 out, headed soon after 2 out, no chance with winner, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 8, 23l behind Blu Teen (11-7) at Sandown 2m 4f hts chs (5) sft in Feb.
Wickford (IRE) 25-1 (12-1) Soon steadied into mid-division, headway approaching 6th, not fluent 8th, soon outpaced and no impression, 5th of 9, 16l behind Vicario (11-11) at Bangor 2m 4f hts chs (6) sft in Feb.
Whistle Blowing (IRE) 5-1 (12-0) (cp) prom; led 11 til hdd aft 15; wknd aft 3 out, 3rd of 17, 32l behind Horsham Lad (12-0) at Horseheath 3m ptp in Feb.
