held up in touch, took closer order 6th, weakened 4 out
chased winner, close 2nd when fell 4 out
held up in touch, left 2nd 4 out, ridden and every chance from next, 2 lengths 2nd at last, kept on close home
held up in touch, hit 6th, left 3rd after 4 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
made all, hard pressed from 4 out, 2 lengths clear last, all out
held up behind, headway to go 4th after 4 out, soon ridden, no further impression from next
raced keen early, tracked leaders, driven approaching 6th, mistake 7th, soon weakened
held up, closing on leading group, when badly hampered 4 out, and immediately pulled up
Or Apple's was disappointing on his British debut last month but should come on for the run, however we will side with Oliver Sherwood's Ex-Irish recruit Marfinca, with Kayceecee the likeliest danger. The selection made all to win at Thurles in November and could have this field on the stretch today. With two wins and two places from his last four runners, Oliver Sherwood is in fine form and despite his charge being 11lbs higher in the handicap here than for that last win in Ireland, he looks sure to run a big race today. Or Apple's French form is hard to equate, and he never got into the race last month at Newbury. Better is expected today, but he may need some help from the handicapper before he can make an impact over here. Brave Villa was beaten fair and square off today's mark last time out, and is paying the price for back-to-back wins in November so is passed over. As is Sarin who makes his chasing debut today. He will be seen to better effect over further so, despite his trainer's good form, he is passed over today. Kayceecee is of more interest. He went close dropped to this trip at Warwick, and with no reservations about the ground, he should hold every chance. Dancewiththedevil should be watched in the market making his chasing debut off a light weight, but for the winner we will return to the proven Marfinca.
Or Apple's (FR) 7-2jt-fav (11-4) Held up, stumbled 7th, soon weakened, tailed off and pulled up 5 out in race won by Milan Deux Mille (9-13) at Newbury 2m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (3) hvy in Jan, 7 ran.
Marfinca (IRE) 5-1fav (11-9) Led, clear for most, stayed on well under pressure from before last, won at Thurles 2m beg chs gs in Nov beating Grangehill Dancer (11-4) by 1 1/2l, 16 ran.
Sarin 5-1 (11-1) In touch, lost place 3rd, rallied and hit 3 out, one pace flat, 4th of 11, 7l behind Nikola (11-7) at Leicester 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Dec.
Kayceecee (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Held up, not fluent 5th, closer order next, chased winner from 8th, one pace, 2nd of 5, 4l behind Offemont (11-12) at Warwick 2m nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) hvy in Jan.
Brave Villa (FR) 5-1 (11-4) Led until headed after 6 out, chased leader, weakened 3 out, 4th of 12, 15l behind Obelix De Longechaux (10-8) at Newbury 2m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Dec.
Albarino (IRE) 13-2 (11-7) Tracked leaders, chased winner before 3 out, weakened next, eased before last, 5th of 6, 38l behind Beau Torero (10-12) at Fakenham 2m nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Jan.
Oxybau (FR) 66-1 (11-12) Pulled hard and held up towards rear, weakened 5th, tailed off, 8th of 10, well behind Brave Jo (10-0) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy in Jan.
Dancewiththedevil (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Held upr, headway 5th, chased leading pair approaching 2 out, no impression, 3rd of 9, 18l behind Santando (11-11) at Plumpton 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
