held up in mid-divsion, hit 3rd, ridden 6th, behind 8th, no impression
chased leaders, led after 5th, hard ridden 2 out, no extra flat, headed close home
prominent, ridden and weakened 2 out, tiring when mistake last
chased leader, led after 1st, hit 4th, headed after 5th, not fluent 8th, soon ridden, weakened 3 out
held up last, hit 3rd and 7th, pulled up before 8th
held up towards rear, ridden and headway after 3 out, challenged approaching 2 out, hit last, hard ridden and ran on well to lead close home
led to 1st, prominent, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out, pulled up before last
held up in mid-division, ridden and headway approaching 2 out, stayed on same pace
In this very interesting handicap, we like the look of Chamoss Royal, with the main dangers reckoned to be Famous Grouse and Blue Business. The selection looks to be progressing nicely now based on her Kempton win last time and, despite being raised seven pounds for that victory and the fact that Ruby Walsh is riding Blue Business, can maybe defy the handicapper. Famous Grouse is now five pounds better of for the four-and-three-quarter lengths he finished behind the selection in that Kempton race, so he comes firmly into calculations today. Lorgnette goes well here but others look better handicapped, and the novices Rifleman and Darjeeling seem to need to find improvement to feature here. Interestingly, Lalagune is 18 pounds better off for the 10-and-a-half lengths she finished behind the selection in a novice hurdle here last season, but up to now has not progressed as much. However, one that is progressing - and who comes here seeking a straight hat-trick of wins - is Blue Business. He has improved for a step up in trip of late and, having been raised just three pounds for his latest victory, he can go well. That said, for the selection, we return to Chamoss Royal.
Tarxien 33-1 Held up in rear, headway into mid-division, mistake 2 out, never dangerous, 8th of 14, 17l behind Chamoss Royale at Kempton 3m hcp hdl (B) gd in Jan.
Chamoss Royale (FR) 10-1 Tracked leaders, went 2nd and hit 3 out, led soon after, driven and stayed on well run-in, won at Kempton 3m hcp hdl (B) gd in Jan beating Kadara by 1 1/2l, 14 ran.
Supreme Piper (IRE) 18-1 Prominent, ridden 9th, weakened next, 10th of 14, well behind Celtic Son at Warwick 3m 1f hcp hdl (B) sft in Jan.
You Owe Me (IRE) 4-1 Made all, clear last, driven out, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (E) sft in Dec '03 beating Joes Edge by 5l, 16 ran.
Lalagune (FR) 14-1 Held up in touch, hit 2nd, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened, 4th of 7, 37l behind Bubble Boy at Fontwell 2m 6f beg chs (D) sft in Jan.
Blue Business 7-4fav Prominent, driven along to hold position approaching 8th, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, stayed on well, won at Taunton 3m nov hdl (E) gd beating Gaelic Music by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
Lorgnette 33-1 Held up, effort 4 out, soon weakened, 11th of 20, 22l behind His Nibs at Aintree 3m lst hcp hdl (A) gd in Apr.
Rifleman (IRE) 10-1 Behind, chased leaders 7th, led after 8th, headed 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 15, 8l behind Supreme Serenade at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-130 (C) gd in Jan.
Darjeeling (IRE) 5-6fav Mid-division, headway after 3rd, led on bit approaching 2 out, soon ridden, hung left after last, ran on well flat, won at Wincanton 2m 6f mrs nov hdl (D) sft beating Foxchapel Queen by 5l, 9 ran.
Famous Grouse 4-1jt-fav Behind, steady headway from 9th, ridden to chase leading pair approaching 2 out, weakened run-in, 4th of 14, 5l behind Chamoss Royale at Kempton 3m hcp hdl (B) gd in Jan.
