prominent, with leader 3rd, hit 4th, ridden and chased winner approaching 3 out, stayed on from 2 out
chased leader, joined leader 4th, kept on one pace flat
held up last, ridden 4 out, stayed on same pace
led until after 6th, ridden 9th, soon weakened, pulled up before 3 out
pulled early and held up in touch, headway and led after 6th, ridden and headed approaching 4 out, one pace
held up in mid-division, headway after 9th, led on bit 4 out, soon clear, beaten last, impressive
A good race in which Roofing Spirit can see off the prolific L'Orient Express. Paul Keane has always held Roofing Spirit in some regard at home and the seven-year-old duly posted a scintillating performance when landing a feature race at the track last month. He was far more value for that win than the official margin suggests and there is every reason to suggest that there is more to come. L'Orient Express has been one of the talismans of Venetia Williams' return to form. He was a tad disappointing at Ludlow in a weaker race five days ago and more will be needed here. Mark Equal would always warrant respect as a Martin Pipe runner at Wincanton. He ran a solid race behind Va Vavoom at Cheltenham when all other Pipe runners were running desperately. If he has avoided the woes of the stable - he is a player but will the punters be prepared to risk it. Serpentine Rock floundered on very heavy ground on his most recent appearance. A drop in trip is of some assistance but his BHB mark does not look particularly generous in light of what he has achieved. Master Rex and Another Joker make very little appeal. Roofing Spirit looks to be going the right way and we see no reason to oppose him now.
Master Rex 16-1 (11-2) Prominent until after 3rd, blundered 6th, no danger after, 8th of 14, 27l behind Town Crier (11-4) at Newbury 2m 1f hcp chs 0-145 (B) gd in Nov.
Serpentine Rock 11-4fav (11-2) Prominent, slow jump 6th, with winner 10th, ridden 3 out, weakening when not fluent 2 out, finished tired, 4th of 7, 21l behind Noisetine (11-7) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp chs 0-130 (C) hvy.
Roofing Spirit (IRE) 15-2 (11-1) Held up, headway on bit after 4 out, challenged next, blundered 2 out, ran on well from last, won at Wincanton 2m hcp chs 0-115 (D) gd in Nov beating Runner Bean (10-10) by 3/4l, 5 ran.
Another Joker 10-1 (11-0) Led until headed soon after 9th, stayed handy until weakened 3 out, 6th of 7, well behind Schuh Shine (10-10) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (C) gs in Nov.
Mark Equal 5-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, headway to lead 11th, ridden 2 out, not fluent and headed last, no extra flat, 2nd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Va Vavoom (10-11) at Cheltenham 2m 5f cnd hcp chs 0-125 (E) gs.
Lorient Express (FR) 2-1fav (10-11) Held up, headway 7th, led 9th, headed 3 out, one pace from 2 out, 2nd of 9, 4l behind Demi Beau (11-12) at Ludlow 2m hcp chs 0-125 (D) gd.
