mistake 3rd, always behind
mid-division, headway 3 out, chased leaders when blundered next, stayed on to go 2nd before last, no chance with winner
made all, drew clear approaching 2 out, stayed on well, comfortably
in touch, chased winner 8th, lost place 3 out, soon beaten
mid-division, outpaced 10th, stayed on under pressure to chase winner 3 out to before last, no extra
chased winner to 8th, soon lost place, weakened 3 out
chased leaders to 8th, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
raced keenly, mistake, lost place 3rd, headway when hit 7th, mid-division when blundered, unseated rider next
held up, headway 4 out, ridden 2 out, kept on same pace, no impression
held up, headway 9th, outpaced 4 out, weakened next
A competitive affair in which TARABALOO is the selection with Stagecoach Amber and Whatcanyasay as the alternatives. The mare probably ran into a well handicapped horse in Matcho Pierji at Leicester and with nothing of that ability in opposition this afternoon, we will take her to gain compensation. Stagecoach Amber ran lamentably last time out. He might be best with an uncontested lead. Whatcanyasay could be given a boost by Easby Mandarin earlier in the card. Fields of this size seem to suit and he is relatively consistent in relation to a number of his rivals. Sound Of Cheers is in the veteran category these days but a cogent argument can be made that he has each-way claims off a feather weight. Day Of Claies was once a promising novice and if he retains any ability, he could be a factor. Cybora is very much one to note in the market. It appears as if connections have been waiting for better ground hence her non-appearance at the tracks of late and Michael O'Connell's five pound claim could prove invaluable. Carrietau has been busy and has no problems with matchfitness. A good race and Tarabaloo is our call.
Day Of Claies (FR) 14-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, mistake and reminders 7th, weakened 5 out, 8th of 13, 26l behind Bafana Boy (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Oct '07.
Tarabaloo 7-1 (10-11) Always promient, challenged from 3 out, led last, headed towards finish, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Matcho Pierji (11-7) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Feb.
Stagecoach Amber (USA) 15-2 (10-13) Chased leaders, weakened from 3 out, 10th of 12, 28l behind Eborarry (10-1) at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Feb.
Carrietau 9-2 (11-12) Chased leaders, blundered 3rd, reminders and outpaced 6th, tailed off 4 out, stayed on from 3 out, went 3rd flat, 3rd of 7, 17l behind Storm Surge (10-6) at Ayr 2m nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Feb.
Cybora (FR) 9-4fav (11-13) Held up, smooth headway to challenge winner 4 out, ridden next, every chance when hit last, not recover, 2nd of 10, 8l behind Festival King (11-3) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in Dec.
Whatcanyasay 9-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, weakened from 2 out, 4th of 17, 19l behind Description (11-9) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd.
The Hedge (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, 2nd when bad mistake 2nd, 4th halfway, ridden in 5th 4 out, weakened before straight, tailed off, 11th of 15, well behind Plaisir D'Estruval (11-12) at Down Royal 2m 4f beg chs hvy in Feb.
Teviot Lass 7-2jt-fav (11-0) Mid-division, headway 3 out, driven, one pace from next, 5th of 15, 18l behind Janal (10-4) at Catterick 2m mrs hcp hdl (5) gs in Feb.
Sands Rising 14-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, headway to go prominent approaching 5 out, weakened approaching 3 out, 7th of 10, well behind Roznic (11-12) at Newcastle 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Nov.
Sound Of Cheers 10-1 (11-2) Held up, struggling 10th, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Nelliedonethat (11-5) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy in Jan, 14 ran.