Broadclyst still seeks a first victory under Rules but ran well on similar going over track and trip at the end of December, though wasn’t as impressive last time at Wincanton. Cuban Pete was in good form at the end of last year but is possibly a shade high in the weights. Eclair Surf was a disappointing favourite at Exeter after scoring at Hereford and he steps up in trip here. ORRISDALE (NAP) is clearly improving with experience and should last home around this tight track so can record a first win over the larger obstacles.
Eclair Surf (FR) 6-4fav (11-8) Chased leaders, jumped slowly 8th, went 2nd 9th, led approaching 4 out, headed between last 2, soon no extra in 3rd, lost that passing post, 4th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Francky Du Berlais (10-13) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
As You Like (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Never closer than mid-division weakened before 13th, tailed off, 8th of 10, dist behind Fagan (12-0) at Newbury 2m 7f hcp (3) hvy in Jan.
Rockpoint 16-1 (10-6) Led until 1st, chased winner until 6th, lost place from next, last 8th, soon behind, 7th of 8, dist behind Paint The Dream (10-11) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
The Last But One (IRE) 5-2 (12-0) (tt) led to 2; lost plce 7; rallied 15; one pce, 3rd of 14, 15 1/2l behind Coquin Mans (12-0) at Wadebridge 3m gs in Dec.
Orrisdale (IRE) 4-1 (11-8) Chased leaders, not fluent 8th, went 2nd when pecked 2 out, held flat, stayed on, 2nd of 8, 1 3/4l behind Flagrant Delitiep (11-8) at Hereford 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Spider's Bite (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Held up until mistake and unseated rider 1st, at Newbury 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Cuban Pete (IRE) 7-1 (11-1) Prominent, ridden 4 out, no impression on front pair after 2 out, kept on to hold 3rd, 3rd of 14, 20 1/4l behind Amateur (10-0) at Newbury 3m 2f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Regal Flow 28-1 (10-8) In rear, ridden after 12th, well beaten from next, pulled up after 4 out, at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp (3) hvy in Feb.
Broadclyst (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Raced in close 3rd on outside, every chance 4 out, pushed along before next, weakened before 2 out, 4th of 8, 18 1/2l behind Favori De Sivola (10-10) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Jan.
Sandy Boy (IRE) 18-1 (11-2) Soon towards rear, behind and struggling before 11th, tailed off and pulled up before next, at Exeter 3m hcp (3) sft in Jan.
