tracked leaders, not fluent 4th, mistake 5th, led 8th until 10th, led 11th, ridden, hard pressed from 3 out, headed approaching last, soon beaten
led until 8th, led 10th until next, soon ridden, weakened 3 out
held up behind leaders, closed on leaders 11th, ridden to challenge 3 out, led approaching last, stayed on well
held up in close 5th, ridden after 11th, weakened 4 out, pulled up before 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden, every chance 4 out, weakened before next
Mighty Moose is our nomination to land this where Young Dancer and Keepatem appear the main dangers to the selection. Might Moose bids to get back on track following a disappointing effort last time, when the drop back to 2m 4f did not appear to suit. Over that shorter distance and stepped up in class, he was required to travel and jump at speed and that appeared to be his undoing. He is a duel winner on good ground which is a slight worry on this soft ground but the yard is in fine form this season and support in the market should be noted. Young Dancer is likely to head the market. He made a satisfactory return to action at Stratford recently, making eye catching progress before his jumping left him down in the latter stages. That was understandable though as he was a late recruit to chasing, that only being his second attempt at fences but he is one paced. The softer ground conditions will suit though. Keepatem is regressing but consequently is sliding down the ratings. It is hard to believe he competed off 122 only three months ago, where incidently he shaped with some promise and is now over a stone lower. He is hard to recommend though on three outings since. Cusp remains 5lb lower than his last win, that being over hurdles twelve months ago. He does appreciate 'cut' in the ground and support should be noted, coming from a yard who don't leave anything to chance. Mighty Moose is selected despite that disappointing effort at Newcastle.
Mighty Moose (IRE) 9-4fav (10-2) Chased leaders, outpaced when blundered and lost place 4 out, soon ridden and beaten, 5th of 12, 20l behind Rayshan (11-5) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Feb.
Keepatem (IRE) 7-1 (10-5) In touch, ridden 3 out to chase winner, weakened 2 out, 5th of 9, 22l behind Iris De Balme (10-5) at Folkestone 3m 7f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Feb.
Young Dancer (IRE) 15-2 (11-7) Mid-division, mistake 2nd, slightly hampered 5th, blundered last, headway 3f out, stayed on same pace flat, 3rd of 12, 6l behind Wenger (10-8) at Stratford 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd.
Young Lorcan 10-1 (11-2) Held up, struggling halfway, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Sharp Jack (11-12) at Uttoxeter 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in May, 10 ran.
Cusp 10-3fav (9-12) Hampered 1st, held up, clipped heels on bend after 10th, headway 12th, led after 4 out, ridden and headed before next, weakened 2 out, 6th of 9, well behind Golden Oak (10-11) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs.
