THE GIPPER was winning off a higher mark over hurdles last year but never recovered from an early mistake at Taunton on only his second start over fences. He’d earlier finished a promising third on his chasing bow and Evan Williams’ charge gets another chance today. San Pedro De Senam won at Plumpton in January but a couple of mistakes cost him dearly back at the same track last time while Lake Field appeared to have little excuse for a poor effort at Ludlow recently though he landed a double at the end of last year. The remaining pair are hard to fancy.
The Gipper (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, lost place 9th, mistake next, soon weakened, left in modest 4th at last, 4th of 7, 25 1/2l behind Vocaliser (11-1) at Taunton 2m 2f hcp (4) sft in Feb.
San Pedro De Senam (FR) 13-8 (10-8) Led, mistake 10th, soon headed and dropped to 3rd, pushed along and outpaced after 3 out, soon ridden and weakened, blundered and unseated rider last, at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Feb.
No Dice (IRE) 7-2 (10-9) Prominent on outside, not fluent 11th, weakened 3 out, last of 5, 37 1/4l behind Town Parks (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Lake Field (IRE) 9-4fav (11-8) In touch, left tracking leading pair 3rd, went 2nd 6th, every chance when mistake 4 out, still pressing leaders next, weakened under pressure before last, 6th of 9, 10 3/4l behind Admiral's Secret (11-1) at Ludlow 2m hcp (4) gs in Feb.
Free Stone Hill (IRE) 9-1 (12-0) Held up towards rear, not much room when not fluent 5th, ridden and well beaten after 3 out, last of 10, dist behind Shining Romeo (11-8) at Huntingdon 2m hcp (4) sft in Feb.