chased leaders, led 3 out, not fluent and headed 2 out, soon hard ridden, ran on
in touch, hit 3rd, ridden and every chance 3 out, weakened after next
held up, ridden 5th, weakened next
mid-division, mistake 3rd, weakened 5th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
behind, headway 5th, every chance after 3 out, weakened 2 out
keen, led until headed after 1st, chased leader, jumped right 3rd, led approaching 5th to 3 out, soon ridden, weakened before next
hung right and pulled hard, headway to lead after 1st, headed approaching 5th, weakened quickly, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
in touch, ridden to lead 2 out, ran on
always behind
always towards rear
Principe Azzurro gets the vote here with Wogan and Le Briar Soul rating the main dangers. The selection was a good second behind Dream Alliance last time out that form has since been franked and under conditions that suit and with improvement likely he looks the one to be on. Wogan rates the main danger as he won well last time out when beating Shining Strand. That horse has since been in fine form over fences and despite his penal;ty he should be closely watched in the market. Le Briar Soul is another worthy of respect as he has shown plenty of ability in bumpers. He is sure to have been well schooled for this his hurdling debut and has definite place claims. Of the remainder Deep Moon would have a chance on his best form but he did not progress as expected last time so he is passed over on this occasion.This is a trappy affair and the market will be very informative but for the winner we return to Principe Azzurro.
Wogan 9-4fav (10-12) Held up, headway 6th, went 2nd 3 out, led between last 2, stayed on well, won at Newbury 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Jan beating Shining Strand (11-5) by 3 1/2l, 16 ran.
Alf's Spinney 125-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, led 4 out, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, 6th of 16, 35l behind Five Colours (11-4) at Hereford 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Deep Moon (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Held up mid-division, ridden 7th, soon weakened, 11th of 14, well behind Au Courant (11-5) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (3) gs in Jan.
Double Date (FR) Double Bed gelding out of 1m1f winner Gay Native.
Ice Melted (IRE) 3-1 (10-11) Held up, headway halfway, ridden and weakened 3f out, 8th of 12, 29l behind Dark Corner (10-0) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Le Briar Soul (IRE) 4-1 (10-11) Prominent, chased leader 10f out until over 4f out, weakened final furlong, 3rd of 15, 7l behind Baron Romeo (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (H) hvy in Dec.
Posh Act 100-1 (11-4) Keen hold, held up in rear, soon headway after 6th, soon weakened, 7th of 12, 27l behind Dusky Lord (11-10) at Fontwell 2m 2f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Principe Azzurro (FR) 13-2 (11-5) Held up, headway 6th, chased winner from 4 out, no impression, 2nd of 14, 7l behind Dream Alliance (11-5) at Chepstow 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Red Dawn (IRE) 11-2 (11-4) Held up in rear, headway 7f out, ridden over 5f out, weakened over 4f out, 11th of 15, well behind Red Georgie (11-4) at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (H) gd in May '04.
Thenford Star (IRE) 20-1 (11-1) In touch, ridden, effort after 3 out, weakened next, 7th of 15, 23l behind Treaty Flyer (11-7) at Fontwell 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Overfields 33-1 (11-0) Held up, led 6f out, headed over 4f out, one pace, 6th of 15, 33l behind Astarador (10-2) at Catterick 2m nhf (6) gd in Jan.
Primrose Park 66-1 (11-1) Held up, never a threat, 7th of 10, 35l behind Hollywood (11-1) at Wincanton 2m 6f mrs nov hdl (4) gd.
