mid-division, ridden 7th, weakened 3 out
mid-division, ridden and weakened 7th
prominent and pulled early, ridden and weakened 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
towards rear, headway 6th, led 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, headed last, not quicken
in touch, headway and chased leaders 3 out, ridden and joined leader 2 out, led last, driven out
led, headed 3 out, soon ridden, weakened bend approaching 2 out, pulled up before 2 out
chased leader, ridden and weakened 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
held up, ridden approaching 6th, soon no chance
mid-division, ridden and headway 3 out, outpaced 2 out, stayed on from last
Division two of this handicap hurdle can go the way of TARATEENO; the list of dangers is headed by Sweet Optomist and Classic Chic. The selection has yet to get his head in front, but there was plenty to like about his effort last time out when he chased home Supreme Keano at Towcester on Boxing Day. That form was subsequently franked, and with ground conditions to suit he can get his head in front. Sweet Optomist does have ability and she could be very interesting as she shapes as though this step-up in trip will definitely suit. Classic Chic will relish the ground but he was disappointing towards the back end of last year. Take A Mile will have no problems seeing out the trip and he could prove best of the others, but for the winner we will return to Tarateeno.
Sweet Optomist 28-1 (10-4) Held up towards rear, headway 6th, went modest 4th after 2 out, never dangerous, 4th of 13, 30l behind Qozak (11-4) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Take A Mile (IRE) 33-1 (11-8) Always towards rear, 7th of 19, 42l behind Wychwoods Legend (11-9) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Jan.
Classic Chic 15-2 (11-9) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened, 10th of 13, well behind Whatdoidowiththat (10-9) at Catterick 3m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Dec.
Devil's Creek (IRE) 66-1 (11-6) Never dangerous, 9th of 13, well behind Jaunty Journey (11-3) at Chepstow 3m mdn hdl (5) hvy in Jan.
Tarateeno 7-1 (10-8) In touch, ridden from 7th, plugged on one pace, 3rd of 15, 5l behind Supreme Keano (10-11) at Towcester 2m 5f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Dec.
Peacefull Waters (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) Always in rear, 11th of 16, 38l behind Riverside Theatre (11-4) at Kempton 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Tavalu (USA) 12-1 (11-0) Prominent, reminders after 6th, weakened 8th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Anglicisme (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f sll hdl (5) hvy in Jan, 9 ran.
Montana Gold (IRE) 33-1 (10-4) Chased leaders until 7th, soon behind, tailed off, 12th of 18, well behind Heathcliff (10-3) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Dec.
Doctored 15-2 (11-9) Held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders from 2 out, went poor 3rd and no impression before last, 3rd of 15, 19l behind She's No Muppet (10-3) at Folkestone 2m 1f cnd hcp hdl (5) gs in Jan.
