held up, in touch, last place 6th, tailed off and pulled up before 13th
mid-division, headway 8th, weakened 12th
led to 4th, led again 9th to 13th, soon ridden and weakened
chased leader, led 4th to 9th, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
behind, not much room and bumped 6th, mistake 7th, lost touch from 10th
held up, headway after 13th, ridden 3 out, kept on one pace
keen, chased leaders, ridden after 13th, soon weakened
always behind
held up, hit 13th, headway approaching 4 out, ridden and mistake 3 out, led 2 out, hit last, headed close home
held up, headway approaching 10th, led 13th, ridden 3 out, headed 2 out, rallied to lead close home
jumped left, in touch, hit 12th, ridden 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
A more patient ride can bring about the desired effect with Roschal, who is selected in preference to Saafend Rocket and Gatorade, who make the most appeal out of the rest. That said, Benrajah could be suited by this course and he is a prime candidate to tow them along. However, he has been raised 4lb since the last time we saw him in action and will have be somewhere near his best for things to go his way today. Saafend Rocket has gone well on all bar one of his previous visits to his local racecourse and should again give supporters of the Henry Daly yard something to shout about if he runs his usual race. However, he is hard to win with and a place in the frame could again be his beckoning today. Especially if Richard Johnson can initiate a repeat of his course and distance win from just before Christmas.
The Villager (IRE) 6-1 Chased leaders, every chance 3 out, soon ridden and hung left, kept on flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 6l behind Le Passing at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp chs (B) hvy in Jan.
River Pirate (IRE) 14-1 In mid-division, ridden and weakened 8th, losing touch when pulled up at the 10th in race won by Duncliffe at Kempton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-130 (C) gs in Dec, 9 ran.
Benrajah (IRE) 2-1fav In touch, chased winner approaching 9th, ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on well towards finish, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Forest Dante at Catterick 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gf in Dec.
Gatorade (NZ) 8-1 Held up, headway 10th, ridden 3 out, went 2nd last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 5l behind Noisetine at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp chs 0-130 (C) gd in Jan.
Dealer's Choice (IRE) 14-1 Held up towards rear, headway 8th, weakened flat, 4th of 12, 27l behind King Harald at Newbury 3m hcp chs 0-125 (D) gs in Jan.
Imaginaire (USA) 11-2 Prominent, chased winner 3rd to 6th, weakened approaching 2 out, 3rd of 4, 24l behind Arctic Spirit at Towcester 2m hcp chs 0-120 (D) gd in Dec.
Roschal (IRE) 9-4jt-fav Held up last, not fluent 8th, headway 11th, challenged 4 out, led on bit approaching 3 out, soon ridden, mistake next, headed approaching last, no extra flat, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Rathbawn Prince at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-12.
Idealko (FR) 11-4jt-fav In touch, jumped left 6th, ridden 12th, went 2nd 4 out, weakened last, 3rd of 7, 12l behind Beau Supreme at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (D) gs in Jan.
