In the beginners' chase, Junior des Ormeaux gets the vote ahead of Salhood. A repeat of Junior des Ormeaux's second to Roman Ark two runs ago would give him major claims today, it's a simple as that. His second to Wild Cane Ridge last time was not too bad either, especially in the context of this race. Salhood was the best of these over hurdles, winning from a mark of 121 and, given that he acts on today's going, rates a danger to the selection, although he has yet to race over fences. Ambition Royal failed to build on last April's hurdling promise, including in headgear, and now tries chasing and, finally, Arctic Cherry is modest based on what we have so far seen which, in turn, brings us back to the selection, which is Junior des Ormeaux.
Ambition Royal (FR) 66-1 (10-9) Tracked leader to 8th, soon ridden and weakened, 9th of 14, well behind According To John (11-4) at Ayr 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Arctic Cherry (IRE) 9-2fav (10-0) Led to 8th, ridden after next, beaten when left 2nd 2 out, weakened flat, 4th of 10, 11l behind Haile Selassie (10-10) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Feb.
Junior Des Ormeaux (FR) 9-1 (11-2) Led, hit 9th, reminders after next, headed approaching 3 out, soon beaten, 2nd of 9, 23l behind Wild Cane Ridge (11-8) at Ayr 2m 4f nov chs (3) sft in Feb.
Salhood 14-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, weakened approaching 3 out, 10th of 15, 40l behind Star Member (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gs in Dec.
