held up behind, lost touch 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
chased leaders, outpaced after 5 out, ridden, weakened 2 out
led to 4th, chased leaders, outpaced 9th, ridden after 5 out, no impression from next
held up, outpaced 9th, headway after 5 out, ridden next, stayed on under pressure to go 2nd flat, no impression
in touch, lost place, dropped rear 6th, ridden 4 out, never on terms
held up, headway 10th, ridden to chase winner 2 out, lost 2nd flat, no extra
with leader, led 4th, headed 5 out, soon outpaced, no impression from 2 out
always prominent, led 5 out, ridden approaching next, stayed on under pressure
prominent, disputed lead 7th, driven, outpaced after 5 out, soon ridden, lost place 2 out, weakened last
Ellerslie George had to work hard to land a similar contest over course and distance on Boxing Day and a 4lb rise for that success may just prevent Howard Johnson's gelding from following up in a race that is taken to SAUNDERS ROAD, who gets the vote ahead of The Whisperer. Lack of a recent run need not be of concern for the Nicky Richards-trained gelding, who looks reasonably well treated but he has done most of his racing over further and is not certain to appreciate the drop back in trip today. Don McCain's Corlande is better than he showed over shorter at Doncaster last time and could be of interest back to a more suitable trip, especially with the yard's runners in such good form. Sue Smith's Daldini is difficult to fancy on recent form, while Mr Prickle was well held on his reappearance at Warwick and he looks best watched at present. The vote then goes to Saunders Road, who disappointed at Ascot last time but earlier form when successful at Cheltenham is solid and he looks worth siding with on that evidence with the Philip Hobbs stable in good form.
The Whisperer (IRE) 4-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, blundered 6th, challenged 3 out, every chance until no extra flat, 3rd of 7, 3l behind Nudge And Nurdle (11-6) at Perth 3m nov chs (2) gd in Apr.
First Look (FR) 7-1 (11-6) Held up, pushed along approaching 5 out, soon weakened and pulled up 5 out in race won by Morgan Be (11-7) at Ayr 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy, 7 ran.
Ellerslie George (IRE) 4-1 (11-9) Led, headed 8th, led again 4 out, held on gamely from last, won at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Dec beating Corlande (11-4) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Edmo Yewkay (IRE) 11-1 (11-0) Mid-division, effort when hit 6th out, soon weakened, 9th of 12, 40l behind Nacarat (11-9) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp chs 0-140 (2) sft.
Saunders Road (IRE) 7-2fav (9-8) Hampered 1st, mid-division, ridden 7th, jumped left 11th, kept on under pressure, no chance with front trio, 4th of 17, 24l behind Miss Mitch (10-5) at Ascot 2m 5f hcp chs (2) gs.
Silver Sedge (IRE) 22-1 (11-6) In rear, chased leaders after 5 out, weakened from next, 6th of 13, 39l behind Ice Tea (11-11) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Corlande (IRE) 5-1 (10-7) Held up in touch, chased leaders when mistake 9th, weakened from 4 out, 7th of 12, 26l behind Nacarat (11-9) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp chs 0-140 (2) sft.
Daldini 6-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, ridden 5th, went 3rd last, no impression, 3rd of 15, 7l behind Almaydan (11-12) at Doncaster 2m hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft.
Mr Prickle (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Took keen hold, held up, some headway approaching 5th, soon no impression, 5th of 8, 22l behind Amble Forge (11-2) at Warwick 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy.
