held up in touch, mistake 10th, not fluent 12th, mistake 14th, ridden next, weakened 3 out
pressed leader until 13th, soon ridden, weakened approaching 4 out, left remote 2nd 2 out
held up in last, headway 10th, chased leader 13th, led when left well clear 2 out, eased flat
keen early, chased leaders until 8th, soon pushed along, last next, not fluent 10th, tailed off after 11th
led, ridden and headed when fell 2 out
Only 1lb separates Quentin D'Ex, ARCTIC ECHO, Captain Tidds and Sarde on the official figures which leaves Charlie Mann's runner with something to find under a penalty. Quentin D'Ex is sure to be popular having shown improved form to open his account on his first run over three miles and he may be able to continue his progression having been treated for a heart problem last year. He probably has the most scope for further improvement in the field but he's likely to be a short price and, strictly at the weights, has it all to do so it could be worth having a sporting investment on one of his rivals. Sarde made a few mistakes on his chasing debut in handicap company but that was a very solid effort and he'll have more time to compose himself in this field. Captain Tidds ran well behind progressive winners before his jumping went to pieces at Huntingdon; he has his stamina to prove but is related to winners at around this trip so that shouldn't be a problem. Arctic Echo is the veteran of the field but proved that he was no back number with a win over hurdles in the summer. He didn't show a great deal on his first two starts over fences but still held every chance in a similar race to this when falling three out at Towcester. The trainer doesn't saddle many winners but his gelding looks more than capable of holding his own at this level and Arctic Echo could provide us with a bit of fun at a price.
Quentin D'ex (FR) 6-1 (11-0) Held up in 4th, headway to go 2nd 7th until after 9th, remained handy, left 2nd 14th, switched right after 2 out, led last, stayed on well, pushed out towards finish (no time taken), won at Towcester 3m beg chase (4) hvy in Jan beating Gilsland (11-0) by 3 1/2l, 5 ran.
Arctic Echo 14-1 (10-9) Held up, headway 5th, challenged 11th, fell 3 out, in a race won by Kildonnan (11-0) at Towcester 2m 6f beg chase (4) sft, 8 ran.
Captain Tidds (IRE) 7-2 (10-10) Held up well in rear, pecked 6th, jumped left next, headway 10th, jumped left 12th, 5th and in touch when bad mistake and unseated rider 4 out, in a race won by Pickamus (10-13) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs 0-115 (4) sft in Dec, 8 ran.
Mr Parson (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Hampered 1st, soon behind, tailed off 3rd, pulled up before 6th, in a race won by Woodlands Genpower (10-11) at Towcester 3m beg chase (4) sft in Jan '09, 7 ran.
Sarde (FR) 13-2 (11-3) Held up towards rear, pushed along and headway after 3 out, stumbled last, took 3rd on extended flat, stayed on, 3rd of 11, 4l behind Ringaroses (11-12) at Huntingdon 3m nov hcp chs (0-125) (3) sft.
