Town Parks arrives on a hat-trick after victories at Uttoxeter and Hereford but will find this tough off a new career-high mark. Fakenham winner Creep Desbois has only run twice over fences so far so should have more to offer while Tony Martin’s raider Dallas Cowboy is worth a market check as he’s caught the eye in both starts since returning from a break. Midnight Target is a regular here and she’s come up against some decent novices this season while Minella Present had some solid form to his name a couple of years ago. COLIN’S BROTHER has gone up 5lb since scoring over 2m here in December but can record a third course victory as he’ll have no problem with the extra half-mile.
Town Parks (IRE) 11-4 (11-8) Took keen hold, tracked leaders, not much room 6th, bumped next, soon switched left, bumped and left 2nd 12th, led before 2 out, clear approaching last, stayed on well, won at Hereford 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Jan beating Silverhow (10-13) by 4 1/2l, 5 ran.
Minella Present (IRE) 9-1 (11-0) Mid-division, dropped towards rear 9th, headway after 4 out, ridden after 2 out, stayed on strongly flat, led towards finish, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in May beating Such A Legend (10-3) by 1l, 13 ran.
Colin's Brother 9-4fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, not fluent 9th, went 2nd 4 out, driven after 3 out, led last, clear flat, stayed on well, won at Ludlow 2m hcp (2) gs in Dec beating Festive Affair (11-12) by 3 3/4l, 6 ran.
Creep Desbois (FR) 6-5fav (11-7) Tracked leaders, went 2nd at 5th, ridden and every chance last, led bend on long run to finish, driven out (both fences in home straight omitted, 11 jumped), won at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Dec beating Popelys Gull (11-8) by 1l, 7 ran.
Azzuri 8-1 (11-12) In rear, mistake 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 5, 25 3/4l behind Ubaltique (11-8) at Haydock 2m hcp (3) hvy in Jan.
Monsieur Co (FR) 2-1 (11-5) Tracked leader, blundered 5 out, soon lost place, weakened before 3 out, modest 3rd, 3rd of 4, 23l behind Bishops Court (11-12) at Wincanton 2m hcp (3) hvy in Dec.
Vivaccio (FR) 11-2 (10-12) Chased leaders on outside, 2nd before 6th until 8th, struggling 3 out, stayed on from 2 out, went 3rd last, 3rd of 6, 13 3/4l behind Big Jim (10-13) at Warwick 2m hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Uhlan Bute (FR) 14-1 (10-12) Chased leaders on inside, outpaced before 11th, weakened next, 6th of 7, 27 1/4l behind Drumcliff (11-8) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Dallas Cowboy (IRE) 14-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, improved to lead after 3rd, headed into straight, soon no impression and kept on same pace, 4th of 19, 8 3/4l behind Spider Web (10-7) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp Yielding - Soft in Dec.
Midnight Target 12-1 (11-0) Led until pushed along before 4 out, soon lost 2nd, rallied under pressure into 2nd again 2 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 9l behind Happy Diva (11-0) at Ludlow 2m 4f (3) gs in Jan.
