chased leaders, chased winner approaching 4 out, ridden approaching next, not fluent 2 out, beaten when not fluent last
led, blundered and unseated rider 3rd
chased leader, left in lead 3rd, ridden and headed approaching 4 out, soon weakened
in rear, outpaced 5th, never dangerous, tailed off from 5 out
Despite the small field there are a couple with a bit to prove. Preference is for CHRYSANDER just ahead of Borora. The selection wore cheek-pieces when winning last time at Musselburgh but they are off today. That is a slight worry but he has won with no aides before and is expected to take all the beating. He has form on this ground, still looks fairly treated on a mark of 130 and is nominated accordingly. Borora looks the main danger judging by his second to Busy Isit at Sandown but his win record is not a pretty sight having not won for two years. Sir Bathwick and Mont Misere drop markedly in class which may se some improved performances, whilst Wee Forbees completes the line-up. It is encouraging that his wins have come at this time of year but recent performances have been blighted by jumping errors. Not straight-forward but Chrysander is the pick.
Chrysander 3-1 (11-2) Tracked leader, led after 8th, ridden 3 out and kept on well, won at Musselburgh 2m 4f clm chs (4) gs in Feb beating Categorical (11-2) by 2l, 10 ran.
Wee Forbees (IRE) 14-1 (11-6) Led to 10th, upsides when jumped right and stumbled and unseated rider 3 out in race won by Ordre de Bataille (10-12) at Bangor 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd, 9 ran.
Borora 6-1 (11-5) Held up, hit 7th, ridden 13th, behind when blundered 4 out, headway after, went 3rd 2 out, kept on flat and went 2nd near finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 5l behind Busy Isit (11-0) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd.
Sir Bathwick (IRE) 25-1 (10-1) Chased leaders to 10th, soon behind, tailed off, 14th of 15, well behind New Little Bric (10-2) at Newbury 2m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gd in Feb.
Mont Misere (FR) 200-1 (11-10) Always struggling in rear, tailed off when pulled up at the 13th in race won by Kauto Star (11-10) at Kempton 3m chs Grd 1 (1) gd in Dec, 10 ran.