in touch chasing group, close up 5th until after next, close up again 11th, led narrowly next, driven before 4 out, headed next, soon ridden, held flat, lost 2nd near finish
took keen hold, held up in chasing group, close up 11th, disputed lead from 14th, led 3 out, ridden and kept on from last
led, clear to 5th, drew clear again after next, reduced advantage 11th, headed next, reminders after 13th, hit 5 out, remote 4th from next, tailed off
held up in chasing group, close up 11th, tracked front pair after 5 out, effort approaching last, ridden and stayed on to to take 2nd near finish, always held
in touch chasing group, close up 5th to after next, in touch again 11th, weakened 5 out, tailed off
Shantou Prince and Tasheba are both recent winners between the flags but the former is making his debut under Rules and the latter hasn’t won over regulation fences since 2012. Thetalkinghorse won this last year and warmed up for a repeat with victory in a Mens Open at Broadheath. He has 4lb more to carry but looks a threat to ARDEA. Justin Landy’s charge came up against useful hunter chasers here and at Doncaster last month and deserves to get his head back in front.
Thetalkinghorse (IRE) 6-4 (12-5) Held up; led 13-15; led flat; all out, won at Horseheath 3m gf in Feb beating Legal Legend (12-5) by 1l, 5 ran.
Ardea (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders in 3rd, chased winner before 4 out, kept on run-in, always held, 2nd of 5, 2 3/4l behind Paint The Clouds (12-4) at Doncaster 3m 2f (6) gd in Feb.
Road West (IRE) 10-1 (12-0) (cp) led to 3; lost tch 14; pu 2 out, at Whitfield 3m gs in Mar.
Shantou Prince (IRE) 4-5fav (12-0) Hdwy 12; led 4 out; qcknd clr flat, won at Askham Bryan College 3m gs in Feb beating Royal Benifet (12-0) by 5l, 5 ran.
Tasheba 5-1 (12-8) (tt) lost tch 13; hdwy 3 out; led flat; stayed on wl, won at Charm Park 3m gs in Mar beating Harpsy Cord (12-12) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
