tracked leaders, ridden and close up 3f out, one pace final furlong
bucking for 1f, left in lead after 2f, headed 6f out, weakened over 4f out
mid-division, ridden 4f out, led 3f out, headed narrowly 1f out, no extra
towards rear, some progress halfway, ridden and weakened over 4f out
tracked leader, ridden and weakened 6f out
tracked leaders, carried right on bend after 2f and lost place, soon recovered, led 6f out, ridden over 3f out, soon headed and weakened
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 7f out
hampered soon after start, headway 10f out, ridden and every chance 2f out, one pace
mid-division, weakened 10f out, soon tailed off
soon led and set slow pace, hung right on bend after 2f, headway again 8f out, ridden 2f out, led narrowly 1f out, ran on towards finish, very game
BENBANE HEAD is well regarded by his yard and may be able to keep their Cheltenham dream alive by defying a penalty. That's never easy however and the dangers include Polly Potter and Secret Stash. Polly Potter is from a good family and made a pleasing start to her career in a reasonably well contested mares' race at Cheltenham; there should be more to come from her. Secret Stash also made a satisfactory debut in a junior bumper at Newbury that has thrown up some smart horses in the past. The longer trip seems sure to suit but the yard hasn't saddled a single winner in this sphere in the past five seasons. Double Dash, Lady Wyndham and Minnie Hill are others worthy of attention but it's the Uttoxeter winner that is selected. Martin Keighley's charge ran out an impressive winner of his sole start between the flags and scored with similar ease on his Rules debut. The first three pulled a long way clear of the remainder to give some substance to connections' high hopes and we expect Benbane Head to justify them here.
Benbane Head (USA) 3-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway on outside 6f out, led 3f out, soon in command, ran on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) hvy in Jan beating Barafundle (11-4) by 4l, 10 ran.
Double Chocolate Doubletour gelding out of Matching Green.
Double Dash 11-2 (11-5) Always in touch, led over 3f out, ran on well, won at Ludlow 2m nhf (5) sft in Jan beating Acordeon (11-5) by 3 1/2l, 15 ran.
Mtoto's Prince 10-1 (10-11) 7th of 17, 15l behind Ellen Tilley (10-6) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (5) gs in Dec.
Norwest (IRE) Norwich gelding out of Chestnut Shoon.
Come On Barbee (IRE) 66-1 (10-9) Led, pulled hard, headed after 5f, remained with leader, weakened 5f out, tailed off, last of 15, well behind Double Dash (11-5) at Ludlow 2m nhf (5) sft in Jan.
Lady Wyndham Rakaposhi King mare out of Sandford Springs.
Minnie Hill (IRE) Oscar filly out of Greybrook Lass.
Morning Haze Chaddleworth mare out of Gypsy Haze.
Polly Potter 14-1 (10-9) Mid-division, headway 5f out, effort over 2f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 20, 6l behind Lindeman (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f mrs nhf (4) gd in Apr.
Saron Bridge (IRE) Bob's Return mare out of Romantic Run.
Secret Stash (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Raced wide with leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 18, 11l behind Zazamix (10-12) at Newbury 1m 4f 4yo nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Peachey Moment (USA) Stormin Fever gelding out of Given Moment.
