led to 8th, hit 9th, led again 12th to 14th, weakening and mistake 15th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
in touch, ridden, every chance after 3 out, weakening when mistake last
in touch, ridden 15th, soon weakened
held up, headway 7th, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
behind, headway approaching 7th, ridden to chase winner 2 out, stayed on flat
always towards rear
prominent, led 8th to 12th, ridden after 15th, weakened 3 out, behind when jumped right 2 out and last
prominent, led 14th, edged left flat, driven out
in touch, lost place 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 11th
behind, headway 12th, ridden next, weakened 15th
mistakes, always towards rear
Woodview has been consistent in defeat and has the scope to beat his mainly older opponents, including the likes of Meggie's Beau, Lord Broadway and Indian Chance. Woodview has only had seven career starts in total, and only one outing over fences, at Huntingdon in January when a fairly promising fourth to Party Games in novice company. Since then he has finished second to the odds-on Dream Alliance back over hurdles at Haydock, and remains one to keep on the right side of with a view to the future. Granted, he cannot be put forward as a solid selection, but he has more to offer than than the exposed older opposition that he faces today, and could easily open his account over the bigger obstacles. Meggie's Beau has to carry a seven-pound penalty for what was a decent effort in first-time blinkers at Huntingdon six days ago, but whether the headgear has the desired effect again remains to be seen. Lord Broadway likes it round here and gained his second course victory in February, but he did not beat much last time and is best passed over. Indian Chance was fairly useful three years ago but will do well to find another suitable opportunity, and for the winner we return to Woodview.
Fin Bec (FR) 33-1 (10-10) Led until 8th, chased leader until weakened quickly 10th, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Earl's Kitchen (10-12) at Exeter 3m 6f hcp chs 0-125 (3) hvy, 12 ran.
Meggie's Beau (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Tracked leader, led 6th, made rest, left clear 2 out, comfortably, won at Huntingdon 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd beating Classic Rock (10-8) by 9l, 11 ran.
Midnight Gunner 11-1 (10-1) Tracked leaders, ridden, not fluent 3 out, weakened next, 7th of 14, 17l behind Prince of Slane (9-13) at Catterick 3m 6f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Jan.
Woodview (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) In touch, headway 5th,, outpaced after 3 out, kept on flat, 2nd of 8, 12l behind Dream Alliance (11-9) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb.
Lord Broadway (IRE) 12-1 (9-12) Always behind, 4th of 8, well behind Fox In The Box (10-11) at Chepstow 3m 2f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Feb.
Strong Magic (IRE) 100-1 (10-0) Led, headed 13th, ridden 8th, weakening when hit 12th, 9th of 15, well behind Umbrella Man (11-2) at Stratford 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs.
Would You Believe 11-2 (10-7) Close up, led 10th, headed next, led 15th, headed after 3 out, soon beaten, 5th of 10, 19l behind Nykel (10-5) at Huntingdon 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Feb.
The River Joker (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Prominent, led 2nd to 4th, ridden 11th, weakened 3 out, 7th of 14, 24l behind Shrove Tuesday (9-11) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy.
