held up, headway after 13th, led 14th, fell 17th
led to 14th, soon lost place, hit 15th, weakening when hampered and left 2nd 17th, lost 2nd 3 out
with leader, mistake 15th, ridden and left in lead 17th, shaken up 4 out, soon in command
behind, not fluent 3rd and 5th, kept on to go distant 2nd 3 out
A poor turnout and Karanja looks to have a soft touch here having made a very satisfactory return to action beating the highly regarded Leading Attraction last time. He raced in snatches but stuck on dogedly despite the persistent challenge of his rival down the straight. It had always been assumed that fences would be the making of him and it certainly seemed the case at Taunton. Connections mentioned the National Hunt Chase at the festival as his most likely target but plans have obviously been changed and he should win this with his head in his chest. The remainder will scupper their hopes of landing a handicap if finishing near the selection. Classic Clover, a half brother to the Gold Cup runner up Go Ballistic has not inherited any of his brothers class but a handicap in the coming weeks may not be far off with the ground drying out and him sliding down the ratings. A penalty kick for the promising novice Karanja and he should duly oblige.
Karanja 9-4 (11-0) Jumped well, tracked leaders, led approaching 4 out, kept on gamely, driven out, won at Taunton 2m 7f beg chs (4) sft in Feb beating Leading Attraction (11-0) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Ackhurst (IRE) 40-1 (11-0) Always behind, tailed off, 8th of 16, well behind Flying Falcon (11-0) at Chepstow 2m 3f beg chs (4) gs in Feb.
Classic Clover 7-1 (9-11) Always behind, tailed off and pulled up at the 15th in race won by Snoopy Loopy (10-11) at Chepstow 3m 2f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Feb, 12 ran.
Midleton Madness (IRE) 80-1 (10-9) In rear, jumped badly right throughout, never dangerous, 4th of 6, well behind Sprosser (11-4) at Southwell 3m nov chs (3) gd in Jan.
