led, ridden after 4 out, headed before next, weakened 2 out
tracked leader, challenged 4 out, led before next, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on same pace
in rear, ridden 3 out, stayed on well from next, never nearer
in touch, pushed along halfway, lost place 7th, weakened 4 out
in touch, effort 3 out, every chance next, soon ridden, no extra flat
in touch, headway 3 out, led next, ridden and stayed on well flat
held up, headway 4 out, effort when mistake 2 out, no impression approaching last
held up, headway 3 out, ridden to chase leaders next, soon weakened
We will take a chance on Supreme's Legacy back over hurdles, with Allistathebarrista and Julius Caesar looking like obvious dangers. The selection isn't blessed with an explosive turn of foot, however he stays well and must hold solid claims. He showed promise on his chasing debut but subsequently didn't build on that and thus returns to hurdles today. A course and distance winner and with his stable in good form, he looks the value call. Allistathebarrista knuckled down to win well over course and distance on Boxing Day, however an 8lb rise makes things tougher in this stronger race and whilst he should still be improving, we will take him on today. Lord Collingwood makes his handicap debut today after falling in a novice event last time out, and should be watched for signs of confidence as he may just be on a lenient mark. Julius Caesar takes a drop in class after a fair third in a better race at Warwick last time out and will like the going, whilst Laertes returns to hurdles after struggling with his chase mark last time out. Ultimately this is an open contest, however we will stick with Supreme's Legacy to rule the roost.
Julius Caesar 14-1 (10-0) With leader, ridden and one pace approaching 2 out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 11, 4l behind Rowley Hill (10-1) at Warwick 3m 1f hcp hdl (2) hvy in Jan.
Hirvine (FR) 14-1 (11-12) Mid-division, brief effort 6th, soon weakened, 7th of 11, 29l behind Dark Corner (10-3) at Warwick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) hvy in Jan.
Carlys Quest 5-1 (11-5) In rear, pushed along before halfway, soon outpaced, stayed on from 2 out, never dangerous, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Huka Lodge (10-9) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) hvy in Jan.
Allistathebarrista (IRE) 4-1fav (10-7) Mid-division, headway 7th, led and ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on well, won at Wetherby 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Dec beating Darina's Boy (10-4) by 3l, 11 ran.
Supreme's Legacy (IRE) 11-2jt-fav (10-13) Held up in touch, hit 14th, weakened next, beaten when pulled up at the 16th in race won by Bang And Blame (10-6) at Catterick 3m 6f hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Jan, 14 ran.
Laertes 4-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders until mistakes, weakened from 9th, behind when pulled up at the 13th in race won by Predestine (9-11) at Haydock 3m nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) hvy in Jan, 5 ran.
Lord Collingwood (IRE) 15-8 (10-12) Tracked leaders, in 3rd and weakening when fell 2 out in race won by Arctic Echo (11-10) at Catterick 3m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan, 4 ran.
Spectested (IRE) 9-2 (11-4) Behind until ridden, kept on from 2 out, never near leaders, 4th of 13, 18l behind Cash King (10-12) at Catterick 3m 1f nov hdl (4) gd in Jan '06.
