mid-division, ridden to chase winner approaching 2 out, kept on same pace after
led, ridden and headed bend after 3 out, weakened after 2 out
prominent, headway to lead bend after 3 out, clear last, ridden out
chased leader, ridden after 2nd, mistake and rider lost iron briefly 4th, weakened 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, ridden after 3 out, kept on to go 3rd 2 out
in touch, ridden after 3 out, one pace
always towards rear, ridden 3 out, no impression
held up, effort approaching 3 out, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out, jumped badly left and unseated rider last
Pen Gwen has been disappointing since been acquired from France with a variety of distances and ground conditions being tried to bring out the best in him. His breeding and French form suggests he requires soft ground to display his best. With those conditions again prevailing and tight circuits appearing to be the courses for which he has performed adequately, he is a speculative selection. Jigsaw Dancer sets the standard here but has recieved a hike in the ratings for those to victories and it is easy to see why connections have opted to turn him out under the mandatory penalty. It remains to be seen if he is in the handicappers grip but we will oppose him today, for which is his sternest test. Celtic Spirit is an unexposed sort and has to be respected on that basis. He has been beaten an aggregate of 91l on his two hurdles outings to date but was a smart performer on the flat who has the profile of one who could succeed when switched to obstacles. He was rated in the mid 80s on the level so if one was to take things literally he could be well treated. Market support for Gary Moores' charge should be noted. Miss Midnight is another that has been climbing up the ratings but has shown respectable course form and could reward each way supporters. Pen Gwen is a speculative nomination in an open contest.
Celtic Spirit (IRE) 9-1 (11-4) Led, hit 6th, blundered next, soon headed and weakened, 8th of 15, 39l behind Dave's Dream (11-4) at Folkestone 2m 1f mdn hdl (5) hvy in Jan.
Pen Gwen (FR) 17-2 (10-13) Held up towards rear, headway 3 out, beaten before 2 out, 11th of 13, 23l behind Majaales (11-4) at Newbury 2m nov hcp hdl (3) gs.
Jigsaw Dancer (IRE) 2-1fav (11-7) Tracked leaders, led after 2 out, in command when hit last, idled flat, ridden out close home, won at Taunton 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) hvy beating Swampy Blue (11-1) by 2l, 11 ran.
Kinetic Power (IRE) 18-1 (10-10) Led until 4th, with leader until weakened before 2 out, 10th of 14, well behind Lordsbridge (10-5) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs.
Miss Midnight 13-2 (10-10) Held up in touch, ridden after 3 out, weakened after 2 out, 5th of 16, 16l behind Moon Star (11-9) at Hereford 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Feb.
Ganymede 100-1 (10-13) Mid-division, every chance approaching last, one pace after, 4th of 17, 15l behind Dansimar (9-8) at Wincanton 2m mdn hdl (4) gd.
Huguenot (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Led, ridden, headed approaching 2 out, weakening when mistake last, 7th of 12, 38l behind Pentasilea (10-2) at Plumpton 2m mdn hdl (5) gd in Feb.
Grand Sefton 250-1 (11-2) In touch, ridden and weakened 5th, behind, 16th of 17, well behind Dansimar (9-8) at Wincanton 2m mdn hdl (4) gd.
