tracked leader, not fluent 2nd, jumped right 3 out, 3rd and beaten from next, one pace
led, not fluent 3rd, pressed from 2 out, driven and headed flat, stayed on same pace
last pair, slow 4th, slightly hampered, left 3rd and outpaced 3 out, rallied to challenge next, rider dropped whip before last, led flat, stayed on
in rear, closed after long run to 1st, close 3rd when fell 3 out
Bailarico has rattled up a five-timer on the Flat this year and also won a point-to-point in January, though it seems a little unfair that he has to carry a penalty for a walk-over here 10 days ago. Skidoosh also carries extra for winning at Wetherby and SHE MITE BITE is getting 13lb from the pair with her mares’ allowance. She was second at Warwick on her debut under Rules and will know more today. Dark Episode is not out of this on his third at Chepstow and will appreciate the extra half-mile, though that form has not worked out.
Bailarico (IRE) (10-12) won at Leicester 2m 4f (3) gf in Dec
Skidoosh Evensfav (11-4) Raced keenly, chased leader, led before 3rd until 5th, chased winner, switched left 3 out, no impression when dropped to 3rd run-in, 3rd of 12, 7 1/2l behind Captain Zebo (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 4f (4) gd in Nov.
Dark Episode (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, headway halfway, chased leaders 3 out, kept on under pressure, 3rd of 12, 12 3/4l behind Zanza (10-12) at Chepstow 2m (4) sft in Nov.
She Mite Bite (IRE) 7-2 (10-12) Held up in mid-division, slow 6th, headway before 7th, hung left before 2 out, switched left before leading last, soon swerved right towards paddock and headed, held after, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Maebh (10-12) at Warwick 2m 5f (4) gd in Nov.