held up, headway and hit 8th, every chance after 3 out, soon ridden and hung right, kept on same pace
tracked leader until 4th, close up, led 3 out, kept on well, ridden out
held up, lost touch after 9th, pulled up after 3 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd at the 4th, led 7th until 9th, soon weakened
led, hit 6th, headed after next, weakened quickly, pulled up after 8th
tracked leaders, led 9th until 3 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
held up, headway 8th, every chance after 3 out, soon ridden and held, weakened flat
Ornais is another ex-French horse who disappointed on his British debut, and whilst he should come on for that run, we will oppose him today with The Risky Viking, with Trigger The Light another with claims. The last-named represents a stable not quite firing on all cylinders at present, but should still run well stepping up in trip. However his penalties were partly behind him not winning last time out, and so he cannot be fancied for the win today on very testing ground. Just Reuben tries his luck for the first time over hurdles today but at twelve that looks a desperate attempt, whilst Sea Eagle would need to step up on what he has shown so far. Ornais ran as though he will appreciate this step up to three miles and should be more at home on this softer ground. He is the one to beat but at the likely odds, we will side with The Risky Viking. Nick Williams' gelding has finished second in three of his five starts to date and the form of his last run has been franked by the winner going in very easily since. Daryl Jacobs is good value for his 3lb claim, and despite the fact that his trainer is yet to saddle a winner here at the course, he gets the vote.
Ornais (FR) 10-11fav (10-12) In touch, took closer order after 4th, led approaching 3 out, soon shaken up to go clear, readily, won at Exeter 2m 3f nov hdl (3) gd in Oct beating Ammunition (10-12) by 27l, 14 ran.
Trigger The Light 3-1jt-fav (11-5) In touch, chased leader 2 out, went 2nd approaching last, stayed on well, 2nd of 16, 6l behind Marcus (11-0) at Wincanton 2m 6f nh nov hdl (2) gs.
Earth World (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Always towards rear, 8th of 16, well behind Best Actor (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f nh mdn hdl (5) gs in Dec.
Just Reuben (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Led to 2nd, close up until ridden and struggling after 12th, tailed off approaching 3 out, 5th of 11, well behind Strolling Vagabond (10-12) at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft in Jan.
Notin Hapened (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Always in rear, lost touch 7th and pulled up 3 out in race won by Christdalo (10-7) at Chepstow 3m mdn hdl (4) sft in Dec, 16 ran.
Sea Eagle (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, led after 5th, headed 3 out, soon ridden, one pace from next, 4th of 17, 22l behind Portland Bill (11-2) at Wincanton 2m 6f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
The Risky Viking (IRE) 9-4jt-fav (11-2) Held up, headway approaching 8th, ridden before next, went 2nd approaching 2 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 15, 12l behind Leo McGarry (10-4) at Stratford 2m 6f mdn hdl (4) gs.
