chased leaders on outside, went 2nd soon after 4 out, led approaching next, clear 2 out, kept on well, easily
led, ridden and looked reluctant before 6th, ridden next and 8th, headed 4 out, soon outpaced and no chance with leading duo
chased leading pair, went 2nd 4th, led 4 out, ridden and headed just before 3 out, held next, beaten when blundered badly last
chased leader until 4th, hit next, chased leading pair until approaching 7th, weakened next
held up last, mistake 7th, went modest 4th next
Workbench's only victory so far came over course and distance in November. He's still 7lb higher but probably has more scope than the majority of these and could get his own way out in front. But we still prefer LE BACARDY after Tony Carroll's charge came back to form at Towcester - he can defy a penalty. Engai showed little on his reappearance at Leicester but should strip fitter here and is less exposed than either Overclear or Takeroc.
Le Bacardy (FR) 2-1 (11-12) Chased leader, not fluent 6th or 7th, closed next, led before 2 out, clear approaching last, stayed on, won at Towcester 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Mar beating Speedy Bruere (11-12) by 4 1/2l, 4 ran.
Workbench (FR) 5-1 (11-7) Tracked winner until 3 out, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 4, 42l behind Lord Navits (10-7) at Southwell 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Mar.
Overclear 12-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, went 3rd 8th until before 3 out, weakened soon after, tailed off, 6th of 10, 48l behind Midnight Sail (11-12) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Mar.
Takeroc (FR) 12-1 (11-5) Held up behind in touch, mistake 2nd, outpaced 5 out, soon ridden and lost touch, blundered 3 out, pulled up before next, in a race won by Last Shot (11-9) at Ludlow 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec, 6 ran.
Engai (GER) 16-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, closed 5th, 4th and well beaten 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 6, well behind Massena (11-12) at Leicester 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Feb.
