made all, ridden approaching 2 out, driven out, held on well towards finish (no time taken)
chased winner from 11th, challenged approaching last, kept on, held towards finish
in rear, pecked badly 1st, soon tracking winner, blundered 10th, soon in rear, no impression from 3 out
tracked leaders, not fluent 2nd, soon in rear, no impression from 3 out
In a small field Novice Chase we'll take our cue from the weights and give MEALAGH VALLEY the vote ahead of Gilsland in what looks a two horse race leaving Varekai looking the best of the remaining pair. Best served by the framing of this race based on official ratings the selection looked in need of his first run in 668 days last time. That should have him a bit fitter and with progression a possibility he looks worth chancing this time. Gilsland is talented but inconsistent but if up to his best may take some beating. Connections have reached for blinkers to try and sort out some jumping quirks but he doesn't look one to trust fully. Varekai has it all to do at the weights and based on recent runs while Little Girl would have to improve beyond belief to win this. A two horse race on paper that can go to Mealagh Valley who's best in at the weights.
Gilsland (IRE) 9-4 (11-12) Jumped left, led until 5th, led 7th, blundered 10th, headed 11th, led 13th, soon ridden, hit 14th, headed next, hit 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Omix D'or (10-12) at Hereford 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Mar, 4 ran.
Mealagh Valley (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Held up, towards rear, behind from 8th, tailed off, 7th of 11, 31l behind Winterwood (11-8) at Warwick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Feb.
Varekai (IRE) 28-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders and keen, blundered 4th, soon mid-division, weakened from 10th, tailed off, 8th of 10, well behind Rexmehead (10-6) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (5) gd.
Little Girl 66-1 (10-1) Chased leaders to 3rd, close up, reminders after 8th, soon struggling, tailed off, last of 5, well behind Cruise Director (10-11) at Southwell 3m clm hdl (5) gf in Nov.