held up mid-division, weakened 6th
tracked leader, weakened 6th, pulled up before 2 out
led and soon clear until 8th, headed approaching last, stayed on under pressure run-in
tracked leaders, reminders 8th, ridden 3 out, led approaching last, driven out
soon chasing leader, weakened from 7th, tailed off
always behind, pulled up before 7th
held up towards rear, tailed off 9th
Otarie, Will Exel and Tarabaloo are the only three runners to have shown a semblance of ability and our attentions are duly focused on them. Otarie is the solid option. Alan King's mare's best performance in three runs in bumpers came on quick ground at Towcester so today's contrasting conditions should hold no fears for her. In two outings over hurdles, she has run respectable races and this is by far her easiest opportunity to date. Will Exel didn't shape too badly in a bumper on debut but spoiled her chance by racing far too keenly next time out. She's related to winning jumpers and it's not beyond the realms of possibility that she could play a hand as she tackles timber for the first time. Tarabaloo has more obvious claims following a pleasing debut on heavy ground at Kelso. She should improve a fair bit for the experience and this longer trip will suit so she has to be feared but we'll take Otarie to open her account this afternoon.
Henbeck Lady (IRE) 100-1 (10-7) Always behind, 10th of 12, well behind Hue (11-7) at Sedgefield 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.
Jollie Abilola 66-1 (10-3) Close up, ridden and weakened 3 out, 7th of 14, well behind Finnegans Rainbow (10-10) at Fakenham 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd.
Lucky Find (IRE) 25-1 (10-6) Mid-division, weakened 3 out, 12th of 14, well behind Pagan Rules (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 4f cnd nov hcp hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Otarie (FR) 14-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, chased winner from 6th, no impression 2 out, lost 2nd approaching last, hung left flat, 3rd of 13, 10l behind Dancing Dasi (10-11) at Hereford 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (4) gs.
Redd Ragusa 200-1 (10-4) Chased leader, weakened from 6th, 6th of 7, 45l behind The Grey Berry (10-7) at Southwell 2m mdn hdl (5) gd in Jan.
Tarabaloo 10-1 (11-2) Mid-division, chased leaders 3 out, soon ridden and one pace, 4th of 13, 8l behind Rosie All Over (11-8) at Kelso 2m 2f mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Will Exell (IRE) 40-1 (10-11) Pulled hard, in touch, weakened over 3f out, 15th of 18, 37l behind Dayia (10-6) at Huntingdon 2m mrs nhf (5) gs.
Homespun Magic 66-1 (9-11) Always towards rear, 14th of 16, well behind Aboukir Bay (10-7) at Fontwell 1m 6f nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Double Money 100-1 (10-4) In touch, weakened over 5f out, soon behind, last of 14, well behind Calaficial (11-0) at Lingfield 2m mdn nhf (6) pol in Dec.