in touch and keen, led 11th, ridden and under pressure 2 out, kept on gamely from last
chased leaders, soon pushed along, lost place from 10th
chased leaders until weakened approaching 5 out
always behind
in touch, led after 5th, headed 11th, ridden approaching 4 out, stayed on towards finish
held up, pushed along after 9th, ridden and outpaced 13th, stayed on well from last, no impression
held up, blundered 2nd, ridden 12th, weakened approaching 3 out
chased leaders, headway approaching 4 out, ridden and every chance 2 out, one pace run-in
chased leaders, led 4th, headed after next, weakened approaching 2 out
led to 4th, lost place approaching 10th, soon weakened
A winner of his last two starts, both here and latterly over course and distance, Supreme Breeze is fancied to complete a hat-trick at the main expense of the Indalo and Monty's Double. The last mentioned is one of four last time winners in the line up having landed a Warwick handicap in January; however, Oliver Sherwood's gelding may find the ground going against him and would not want much more rain. Alan Parker's D J Flippance made a winning return over hurdles at Kelso earlier this month and has to be respected back over the larger obstacles off the same mark but may well bounce and a bigger threat may come from Len Lungo's Brave Lord, who is less exposed than most of these. Ginger McCain's Ebony Light is a consistent performer and can again be expected to run his usual race but may have to settle for a minor role, while Tregastel, who has shown improved form recently may now be in the grip of the handicapper. The Venetia Williams-trained Indalo probably found the ground a bit quick in the Kim Muir last week and is probably better judged on form going into Cheltenham that gives him every chance. He rates a bigger danger than Sue Smith's Tipsy Mouse, who is at least consistent but rather lacking in pace at the finish of his races and preference is for stablemate Supreme Breeze. The selection has done little wrong of late and is hard to oppose despite a 7lb penalty for his win last week.
Indalo (IRE) 10-1 Took keen hold, led to 1st, stayed in touch, blundered badly 8th, not recover, well behind after, 16th of 24, well behind Juveigneur at Cheltenham 3m amt hcp chs 0-140 (B) gd.
Tipsy Mouse (IRE) 6-4fav Prominent and not fluent, ran in snatches, chased leaders until weakened 14th, 3rd of 6, 19l behind Philson Run at Chepstow 3m 2f hcp chs 0-125 (D) sft in Feb.
Supreme Breeze (IRE) 2-1 Tracked leader, led 4th, made rest, clear 3 out, comfortably, won at Carlisle 3m nov hcp chs 0-115 (D) hvy beating Cordilla by 14l, 5 ran.
Tregastel (FR) 6-1 Held up in touch, weakened approaching 5 out, behind when pulled up 4 out in race won by Kerry Lads at Ayr 3m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs, 7 ran.
Ebony Light (IRE) 9-2 With leader, led 8th, mistake and headed 12th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened after next, 3rd of 8, 11l behind The Merry Mason at Bangor 3m hcp chs 0-120 (D) gd.
Falchion 18-1 Held up in rear, headway 9th, effort 4 out, soon outpaced, 4th and beaten when mistake and unseated rider 3 out in race won by Supreme Breeze at Carlisle 3m nov hcp chs 0-115 (D) hvy, 5 ran.
Quarterstaff 4-1 Held up towards rear, blundered 13th, outpaced next, 4th of 9, 21l behind Hallyards Gael at Kelso 3m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gd in Apr.
Brave Lord (IRE) 14-1 Made most until headed last, soon ridden, rallied to lead again towards finish, kept on, won at Carlisle 2m 4f beg chs (D) gs beating Tribal Dispute by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Monty's Double (IRE) 4-1 Tracked leaders, mistake 15th, jumped slowly next, led 17th, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on, won at Warwick 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gs in Jan beating Legatus by 2l, 8 ran.
D J Flippance (IRE) 7-1 Mid-division, outpaced approaching 3 out, rallied 2 out, led last, stayed on strongly, won at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) sft beating Speed Kris by 2l, 15 ran.
