tracked leading trio, closed to track leading pair before 3 out, challenged on bit 2 out, led when hit last, not extended flat
towards rear, headway to 4th after 3 out, weakened before next
led, joined 2 out, ridden and headed before last, no chance with winner, kept on for clear 2nd
mistake 1st, chased leaders to 4th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before last
always towards rear, struggling 3 out, tailed off
pulled hard in rear, hit 2nd and 4th, struggling 3 out, tailed off
in rear, headway on outer before 2 out, kept on flat, never in contention
held up in mid-division, took closer order 3rd, went right and mistake 3 out, soon lost place, kept on again flat
always in rear, well tailed off 3 out, pulled up before next
chased leader, hit 4th, ridden and lost 2nd before 2 out and mistake, weakened soon after, hit last
held up in mid-division, not fluent 2nd, headway approaching 2 out, where mistake, kept on, one pace before last
OSCAR WHISKY looks to have been found a fine opportunity to win again here although Sherwani Wolf and French import Track Record cannot be ruled out receiving 6lb apiece. Nicky Henderson's son of Oscar made light work of his rivals when beating Spirit Of Adjisa in December. All three of his starts have been at Newbury, however he should have no problem with this track and this progressive chap is fancied to win again. His main rival may prove to be the newcomer Track Record who was bought for 62,000 guineas in October. From an excellent French family, this son of Montjeu must be of interest if the market speaks in his favour. This race was won last year by a French import, although Ronaldo Des Mottes had already won over hurdles. Sherwani Wolf's fifth to Silver Kate didn't look too hot at the time, however her subsequent successes means that this Nigel Twiston-Davies inmate needs plenty of respect on this less testing ground. Rossmill Lad is a former Irish point-to-pointer who may just find things happening too quickly here, Pro Pell shaped with promise behind Master Of The Hall on his hurdling bow, whilst Etruscan and Cois Farraig have both contested some good races but both need to improve. War Party's form has a more solid look to it. His run at Catterick last time can be discounted as conditions were poor, but the feeling is that this decent flat horse may need quicker ground to reproduce his best. All in all this looks straightforward for Oscar Whisky to continue his progression.
Oscar Whisky (IRE) 4-11fav (11-0) Tracked clear leaders, led approaching 3 out, drew clear on bit approaching last, comfortably, won at Newbury 2m mdn hdl (4) sft in Dec beating Spirit of Adjisa (11-0) by 7l, 14 ran.
War Party 12-1 (11-0) Held up, outpaced 3 out, never dangerous, last of 13, 40l behind Sendali (10-0) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Jan.
Cois Farraig 66-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, pushed along after 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 10th of 11, well behind Reve De Sivola (11-7) at Newbury 2m 5f Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+) (1) hvy in Dec.
Confide In Me 10-1 (8-9) Took keen hold, soon chased leaders, hard ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 6th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Aflaam (8-12) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jan (flat).
Deep Waters (IRE) 66-1 (7-13) Chased clear leader until 6f out, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 12th of 13, 32l behind Zalkani (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp (6) pol in Dec '08 (flat).
Etruscan (IRE) 66-1 (11-2) Jumped poorly in rear, tailed off 3 out, 11th of 12, well behind Bellvano (11-12) at Newbury 2m nh nov hdl (3) gs.
Keep Guessing Lord Americo gelding out of Wychnor Dawn.
Pro Pell (IRE) 100-1 (11-4) Took keen hold in mid-division, pushed along after 3 out, stayed on same pace, 7th of 15, 22l behind Master Of The Hall (11-11) at Newbury 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Rossmill Lad (IRE) 5-2 (12-0) Ww in mid div, v badly hmprd aftr 5out, eff to get to 2nd 2out but not get to wnr, 2nd of 18, 6l behind Inoneearoutdother (12-0) at Ballingarry 3m ire ptp in May.
Sherwani Wolf (IRE) 2-1 (10-7) Held up in mid-division, headway after 6th, jumped slowly next, challenged 4 out, every chance when mistake 3 out, mistake next, lost 2nd last, weakened flat, 5th of 11, 23l behind Silver Kate (10-12) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
Track Record (8-9) 3rd of 7, 1/2l behind Tau (8-9) at Chantilly(FR) 1m 2f stk gd in Aug (flat).
