tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd before 7th, led after 4 out, clear from next
led, headed after 4 out, soon reminders and beaten
tracked leader until before 7th, jumped right 8th, weakened before 4 out
KUDU COUNTRY is likely to start a short price here. He has plenty in hand with his two rivals on today's terms and November's Carlisle winner failed by only a short-head to catch Eradicate over track and trip last time. Tom Tate's charge is the one to beat with a clear round. L'Eldorado and Nosecond Chance are similar in that both have been well beaten since winning at the end of last year, though the former should come out best today as he's 15lb to the good on official ratings.
Kudu Country (IRE) 6-4 (11-7) Led, blundered 1st, headed 9th, led again after 4 out, pressed from 3 out, headed narrowly when not fluent last, rallied run-in, just held, 2nd of 6, shd behind Eradicate (11-4) at Southwell 2m nov chs (4) gs in Jan.
L'Eldorado (FR) 7-1 (10-12) Led to 2nd, led again 4th, headed 3 out, weakened 3 out, 5th of 6, 16l behind Shadrack (10-9) at Catterick 2m Novice Handicap Chase (0-135) (4yo+) (3) sft in Dec.
Nosecond Chance (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Mid-division, jumped right 8th, headway after next, ridden and no impression after 4 out, weakened before next, tailed off, 6th of 10, well behind Ring Bo Ree (11-5) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs.
