went wrong and pulled up before 1st
made all, ridden clear 2 out, unchallenged
chased leaders, slow 3rd, jumped left and not fluent 7th, weakened well before 3 out
not fluent in rear, ridden after 6th, some headway after 7th, 4th and weakening when fell 3 out
held up, headway 3rd, weakened before 3 out, lost 3rd before last
behind, struggling 6th, went 3rd before last, never a chance
chased winner 1st, ridden before 3 out, no impression next, stayed on same pace
Beau Bay possibly needed his run at Sedgefield but is a little one-paced. Ulis De Vassy makes a quick reappearance under a penalty after winning at Southwell five days ago but his yard is in good form and he’s won around here before so has to be respected. Jaunty Thor was just caught at Newcastle and is only 2lb higher but Gregarious has done all of his winning so far at Sandown. Champagne James is having only his second start for Jamie Snowden but has been frustrating to follow over fences. TRUCKERS HIGHWAY lacks consistency but there is no doubt that he’s well handicapped nowadays with his last three victories coming off higher marks. If in the mood, John Groucott’s front-runner could take some catching.
Champagne James (IRE) 9-4 (10-13) Jumped left at times, chased winner, ridden and effort 2 out, eased run in when no chance, last of 2, 18l behind Chirico Vallis (11-5) at Bangor 2m 1f (4) hvy in Dec.
Beau Bay (FR) 11-8fav (10-5) Led, pressed from 4 out, headed 2 out, one pace run-in, 3rd of 4, 7 1/2l behind Prairie Town (10-6) at Sedgefield 2m hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Truckers Highway (IRE) 16-1 (11-9) Mid-division, headway 10th, weakened before 3 out, pulled up before last, at Hereford 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Gregarious (IRE) 16-1 (10-10) Never fluent, raced in 3rd, left in 2nd place 3rd, never on terms with winner after, losing touch when slight peck 8th, tailed off, 2nd of 3, dist behind San Pedro De Senam (10-10) at Plumpton 2m 1f (3) hvy in Jan.
Jaunty Thor 7-2 (10-10) Held up towards rear, in 4th before 4 out, led before 3 out, clear before last, caught close home, 2nd of 6, hd behind Charlie Snow Angel (10-11) at Newcastle 2m hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Ulis De Vassy (FR) 9-2 (10-8) Held up in 5th, pushed along before not fluent 3 out, soon ridden, headway under pressure after next, went 3rd last, 2nd run-in, strong run to lead final 50 yards, won at Southwell 2m hcp (4) sft in Feb beating Little Jimmy (10-11) by 1 1/4l, 7 ran.
Pembroke House 11-2 (11-9) Tracked leader, led last, ridden over 3f out, soon headed, one pace, 5th of 7, 18 1/4l behind Skipping On (11-5) at Towcester 2m hcp (5) sft in Feb.
