led, in 2nd approaching last, lost that position near finish
(limited comments due to very poor visibility) tracked leaders, 3rd approaching 3 out, in lead approaching last, clear flat (no time taken)
held up in rear after 1st, 9th approaching 3 out
in touch after 1st, disputing 4th approaching 3 out, 7th approaching last
chasing leader after 1st, 6th and weaking approaching 3 out, no chance in 5th before last
mid-division after 1st, 12th approaching 3 out
mid-division after 1st, 11th approaching 3 out
tracking leaders after 1st, 15th approaching 3 out
mid-division, 8th approaching 3 out, 6th approaching last
tracked leaders, 2nd approaching 3 out, 3rd approaching last, went 2nd near finish
tracking leaders after 1st, 13th approaching 3 out
towards rear after 1st, 14th approaching 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division after 1st, headway before 2nd, 10th approaching 3 out
held up in rear, 7th approaching 3 out, 8th before last
mid-division, disputing 4th approaching 3 out, beaten in 4th before last
TARBECK is a nominal each-way suggestion in a race where Swincombe Rock and Honourable Arthur are likely to be short enough given their relative achievements. The selection showed promise on his first start in a bumper and, although he didn't build on that next time, he appeals as the type to do better once granted a trip over hurdles. His yard has saddled a previous winner of this race at a big price and he may be worth chancing at a price despite the offputting record of Sam Thomas when riding for the yard. Swincombe Rock is likely to head the market following his second to The Minack on his second outing over hurdles. It was a promising run but it wasn't the strongest of races and it remains to be seen what the form of the race is worth. Stablemate Time To Think has shown ability and shouldn't be ignored whilst Alfie Spinner is better than he was able to show last time. Honourable Arthur looked rather green on two outings last term and we may well see an improved performer this season. He's bred for jumping and his yard was responsible for last year's winner. Quiet Bob is of keen interest on his return and the market should guide to expectations on his return from a spell on the sidelines but we'll take a chance with Tarbeck at an each-way price.
Humbel Ben (IRE) 66-1 (11-4) Raced keenly, headway to go 3rd approaching 3rd, weakened 6th, tailed off when pulled up before last, in a race won by Tell Massini (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl G2 (1) sft in Nov, 9 ran.
Alfie Spinner (IRE) 5-2 (10-12) Chased leaders, jumped big and right 2nd, jumped right and lost place 3rd, well behind 6th, tailed off, 7th of 10, well behind Civil Servant (10-5) at Uttoxeter 2m NH nov hdl 4-6yo (4) gd in Oct.
Beat The Rap (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Mid-division, closer in 6th approaching straight, soon no impression under pressure, 11th of 14, 12l behind Dando's Express (11-9) at Listowel 2m 5yo nhf sft in Sep '08.
Beyond Moonbeams 12-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, hampered 4th, pushed along 7th, tailed off, 8th of 15, 26l behind Dot's Delight (10-5) at Fontwell 2m 4f cond nov hdl 4yo+ (4) gs in Nov.
Honourable Arthur (IRE) 9-4 (11-3) Tracked leaders and keen, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 7, 13l behind Wymott (11-3) at Bangor 2m 1f NH flat (6) gd in Mar.
Magical Island 100-1 (10-12) Mistake 1st, always behind, 12th of 16, well behind A French Horse (10-12) at Warwick 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Magical Maybe (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, some headway and pushed along before 3 out, weakened next, weakened when hit last, 7th of 11, 30l behind San Marino (10-5) at Exeter 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Quiet Bob (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Held up, ridden soon after halfway, one pace after 4f out, 5th of 13, 14l behind Kingston Lane (11-7) at Chepstow 2m NH flat (5) sft in Dec '07.
Sean Thornton (IRE) 100-1 (10-2) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, last of 11, 31l behind Ashfield's Dream (10-12) at Ascot 2m 3f nov hdl (3) gd in Nov.
Swincombe Rock 20-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, mistake 2 out, chased winner last, no impression, 2nd of 6, 5l behind The Minack (10-12) at Exeter 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Tarbeck 18-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, outpaced over 3f out, 6th of 16, 22l behind Bangkok Pete (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m NH flat (6) gd in May.
Carrigeen Queen (IRE) Darnay mare out of Carrigeen Lily.
Miss Saffron 100-1 (10-0) Raced in mid-division on outside, headway after 4 out to chase leaders before next, weakened approaching 2 out, 9th of 11, 39l behind San Marino (10-5) at Exeter 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Nobbys Girl 150-1 (10-11) Always behind, last of 11, well behind John's Gift (11-1) at Wincanton 2m NH flat (5) gs in Nov.
Shali San (FR) 8-1 (11-9) Held up in rear, good headway on inside after 4 out, chasing leaders and every chance when stumbled soon after 3 out, mistake and weakened next, blundered last, last of 12, 47l behind Strategic Plan (11-2) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Nov.
Time To Think 13-2 (10-0) Held up, headway halfway, led 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on, no extra, 2nd of 11, 2 3/4l behind Mintiverdi (10-9) at Kempton 2m mdn NH flat (4) gd in Feb.
