held up, dived at 13th, headway chasing leaders before 3 out, 4th and going ok when blundered and unseated rider 2 out
led until 5th, chased leader until 11th, 2nd again 14th until 4 out, went 2nd again approaching 2 out, chance last, switched right and kept on same pace run-in
chased leaders, tracked leader 4th, led next, headed before 12th and dropped to 3rd, slightly lost place next, impeded 17th, outpaced 4 out, plugged on run-in
chased leaders, mistake 1st, unseated rider 3rd
chased leader until 4th, chased leaders, pecked 10th, 2nd next, led before 12th, made rest, almost joined last, wandered under pressure and kept on well run-in
chased leaders, hit 8th, slight peck 13th, blundered 17th, went 2nd before 3 out until before next, kept on same pace in 3rd
in touch, mistake 6th, headway chasing leaders 11th, went 2nd 12th until 14th, 2nd again 4 out until before next, ridden and weakened before 2 out where mistake
held up, mistake 1st, mistake and unseated rider next
Guy Disney became the first amputee to ride a winner under Rules in this race two years ago and renews his partnership with Rathlin Rose bidding for a hat-trick in the contest, though has to concede weight all round this time. Huff And Puff doesn’t stand much racing but won a Ludlow handicap returning from a break last month and Late Romantic has each-way claims. Shelford should have been sharpened up by a run in a hunter chase but Cabragh was only sixth last year and it’s doubtful that Keltus is the force of old. CARLOS DU FRUITIER is still seeking a first victory over fences but has been placing in decent handicap company and Brodie Hampson is the most experienced jockey riding in this – Ben Pauling’s charge should finally get his head in front.
Rathlin Rose (IRE) 6-1fav (10-12) Held up in mid-division, headway on inside chasing leaders 17th, weakened 3 out, 10th of 17, dist behind Houblon Des Obeaux (11-3) at Sandown 3m hcp (2) gs in Jan.
Huff And Puff 15-2 (11-12) Led until 4th, led again 9th, hard driven 4 out, stayed on well, won at Ludlow 3m 2f hcp (4) gs in Jan beating Lex Talionis (11-5) by 3/4l, 6 ran.
A Tail Of Intrigue (IRE) 5-1 (11-10) In touch, headway to chase leaders 13th, weakened 3 out, 6th of 7, 32 1/2l behind Dartford Warbler (10-13) at Sedgefield 3m 2f hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Cabragh (IRE) 6-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, lost place 7th, rallied 10th, hit 15th, pushed along in 3rd before 3 out, weakened next, 5th of 8, 18l behind Midnight Bliss (11-3) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp (4) gs in Jan.
Carlos Du Fruitier (FR) 7-2 (11-7) Soon handy, every chance 4 out, switched left before 2 out, no impression on winner last, 2nd of 9, 13l behind Mister Malarky (11-10) at Newbury 2m 7f hcp (3) gd in Jan.
Keltus (FR) 8-1 (12-2) A.p; led aft 12 til hdd last; unable qckn flat, 2nd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Monsieur Gibraltar (12-7) at Larkhill 3m in Dec.
Late Romantic (IRE) 5-1 (11-11) Led, blundered 6 out, soon headed, rallied after 4 out, every chance next, no extra approaching last, 3rd of 12, 16l behind Ange Des Malberaux (10-10) at Market Rasen 3m 4f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Shelford (IRE) 28-1 (12-2) Towards rear, mistake 12th, soon struggling, 8th of 12, 29 1/2l behind Hazel Hill (12-6) at Warwick 3m (6) gs in Jan.
