held up in rear in touch, chased leader 2 out, ridden approaching last, led flat, kept on well
tracked leaders and mistakes, ridden approaching 4 out, soon beaten
made most, blundered 2 out, hit last, headed flat, no extra
with leader, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened
A number of these have found winning difficult and we side with RARE SOCIETY at the likely odds against One Sniff and Just For Men. Sue Smith's stable have enjoyed a good week at the gaff tracks and while this veteran is nearing the pipe and slippers stage of his career, he handles the trip and going and if allowed a soft lead, he could punish his rivals. One Sniff finished ahead of our selection when they met at Doncaster. The Scottish National may be a target so a penalty would not go amiss in trying to get into the race proper. Just For Men invariably travels well though does not finish with quite the same resolution. Brooklyn Brownie ran a stormer in the Grand Sefton Chase in November. Any drying of the ground would be a big help to his chances. Maletton hasn't sparkled this year though it would be folly to ignore anything from Venetia Williams' stable at the moment. Top Dressing did not disgrace himself on a first step up to this trip. He is clearly useful though lacks experience. All six have evident chances in one way or another but we take a punt about Rare Society this afternoon.
Brooklyn Brownie (IRE) 7-1 (10-2) Mid-division, pecked and hampered 10th (becher's), headway 13th, chased winner approaching elbow, stayed on towards finish, always held, 2nd of 13, 2 1/2l behind Endless Power (10-0) at Aintree 2m 5f hcp chs (2) sft in Nov.
Top Dressing (IRE) 6-1 (10-13) Towards rear, tracked leaders from 7th, ridden approaching left leader 4 out, headed 2 out, driven and kept on flat, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Brave Rebellion (11-9) at Musselburgh 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Feb.
Rare Society (IRE) 16-1 (9-12) Chased leaders, ridden after 11th, weakened from 4 out, 7th of 12, 33l behind Church Island (10-13) at Doncaster 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Feb.
Maletton (FR) 9-1 (11-6) Towards rear, moderate effort into 7th18th, tailed off, 7th of 14, well behind Russian Trigger (11-11) at Folkestone 3m 7f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Feb.
One Sniff (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Held up in touch, chased winner 4 out, no extra from last, 4th of 12, 10l behind Church Island (10-13) at Doncaster 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Feb.
Just For Men (IRE) 7-2fav (10-7) Held up, mistake 10th, never dangerous, 11th of 12, 50l behind Akilak (11-4) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs (2) sft in Dec.
