held up, headway 3rd, tracked leading pair after 5th, challenged 2 out, soon ridden, held when switched right flat, kept on same pace
led, clear 3rd, ridden and headed after 3 out, stayed on same pace, hit last
chased leaders until weakened after 6th, tailed off
took keen hold, always in rear, tailed off
chased leaders until lost place approaching 5th, ridden after 3 out, stayed on from next
held up towards rear, headway after 5th, ridden after next, soon weakened
mid-division, headway 6th, outpaced after 3 out, stayed on again from next
always towards rear, weakened after 5th, tailed off when pulled up flat
close up, went 2nd after 4th, led after 3 out, kept on well, ridden out
mid-division until weakend 5th, tailed off
mid-division until weakened after 5th, tailed off
Producing horses capable of running up a sequence of wins is a Pipe family tradition and the masters from Pond House have found another suitable candidate in RONALDO DES MOTTES, who is readily preferred to Nictory Vote and Summery Justice. The last named represents an in-form yard and is bred to be a tough cookie when he gets the hang of things. A step up in distance will be looming for him before too long but he is definitely one for the note book. Nictory Vote represents powerful connections and, as a product of Paul Nicholls' overseas recruitment policy, he would be dangerous to dismiss; despite his lack of experience in the UK. The gelding's French form shows a liking for soft ground, so he can be expected to at least cope with the conditions. However, Ronaldo Des Mottes has done everything right so far and it would be dangerous to start jumping ship with him now he has to give weight away all round. The gelding is still on David Pipe's list of Cheltenham Festival contenders and another clear round will help decide his near future targets. The fact that Timmy Murphy has chosen Ronaldo Des Mottes over stablemates Aboukir Bay and Good Man Jack is a good enough clue in itself.
Ronaldo Des Mottes (FR) 3-1 (10-12) Took keen hold early, held up in rear, headway after 3 out, challenged 2 out, bumped approaching last, led last, driven out flat, won at Sandown 2m nov hdl (3) sft beating El Dancer (11-2) by 1l, 9 ran.
Aboukir Bay (IRE) 7-2 (11-3) Mid-division, headway after 4th, ridden and weakened 3 out, 9th of 12, well behind Carrickboy (11-3) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) hvy.
Beyond Moonbeams 250-1 (10-13) In touch, ridden 7th, soon no chance, 8th of 14, well behind Chariot Charger (11-9) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (3) gs in Jan.
Good Man Jack (IRE) 14-1 (11-3) Mid-division, ridden and headway 6th, weakened 3 out, 6th of 11, well behind Aachen (11-3) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) hvy.
Missinlucan (IRE) 10-1 (11-7) Mid-division, headway to 7th 4f out, ridden and no extra before straight, 10th of 17, 41l behind Old Hall (12-0) at Limerick 2m nhf gs in Dec '07.
My Friend Sandy 33-1 (11-3) Held up in rear, hit 1st, headway 7th, struggling after next, 10th of 18, 37l behind Ambrosinni (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nh nov hdl (3) gs in Feb '08.
Sir Kezbaah (IRE) 10-3 (11-2) Held up, headway 10f out, led over 3f out, headed over 2f out, kept on, 3rd of 10, 3l behind Sergeant Harper (11-2) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Summery Justice (IRE) 16-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, headway after 5th, soon ridden, weakened 2 out, went poor 3rd last, 3rd of 10, 22l behind Darstardly Dick (11-5) at Exeter 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Well Done You (IRE) Beneficial gelding out of As Tu As.
Nictory Vote (FR) 70-1 (10-8) Always prominent, not pace of winner on run-in, lost 2nd last stride, 3rd of 16, 2l behind Overlord (10-3) at Auteuil 2m 2f lst hcp hdl hvy in Nov.
Elsie May 125-1 (10-10) Mid-division, ridden 7th, no impression, 10th of 11, 45l behind Shenanigan (10-5) at Taunton 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (3) gs in Dec.
Trigger Tease (IRE) 100-1 (10-6) Prominent, ridden and weakened 3 out, 11th of 12, well behind King Caine (11-9) at Taunton 2m 1f clm hdl (5) hvy.
