tracked leader and keen, led 3rd, headed after 2 out, weakened quickly
tracked leading pair, led approaching last, kept on well 9no time taken)
led to 3rd, remained close up, led briefly after 2 out, one pace
Disappointingly just the four runners line up for this beginners' chase but it does not looks the easiest of races to solve with doubts over every one of the quartet and what can only be a tentative vote goes to DASTARDLY DICK, who gets the vote over Lady Pilot and Bonikos. Nicky Henderson's gelding is one of the least exposed of the four runners after just six career starts, winning twice over hurdles, latterly in a handicap at Towcester, before disappointing when odds on for his debut over fences at Fakenham last month. He did not look a natural over the larger obstacles that day and looks best watched following that effort. Lawney Hill's Lord Brunello has only had the five starts so far in his career and the son of Lord Americo has shown some ability over hurdles but has not run up to a similar level of form in two starts over fences and he is hard to recommend. Jim Best's Lady Pilot should appreciate the return to chasing having been well held in three recent starts on the flat and he has to be respected having run well in his two previous starts over the larger obstacles, being placed on each occasion, looking the main danger to the selection, Dastardly Dick. Vic Dartnell's gelding was a faller on his only previous start over fences at Exeter in November and has not been at his best back over hurdles since then but the yard have their runners in good form now so he may be worth another chance in this small field.
Bonikos (FR) 8-11fav (11-0) Keen in rear, progress to track leader 4th, led next, ridden 2 out, pressed last, driven and headed towards finish, just held on to 2nd, 2nd of 6, 1 3/4l behind Commanche Dream (10-7) at Fakenham 3m beg chase (4) sft in Feb.
Darstardly Dick (IRE) 14-1 (10-10) Led to 2nd, chased leader, led 3 out until 2 out, weakened last, 14th of 18, 14l behind Sir Harry Ormesher (11-5) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp hdl (2) gs in Feb.
Lord Brunello (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, pushed along after 9th, struggling 11th, well held 3rd when blundered and unseated rider 14th, in a race won by Superior Wisdom (10-9) at Kempton 3m nov stks (3) gd, 4 ran.
Lady Pilot 5-4 (10-9) Jumped left, took keen hold in 3rd, went left and rider lost iron briefly 5th, chased winner from next, ridden approaching 3 out but never any chance, 2nd of 4, 25l behind Qulinton (11-2) at Southwell 2m 4f beg chs (4) gf in Nov.
