chased leaders until 11th (Foinavon), soon outpaced
towards rear, never dangerous
tracked winner until after 12th (Canal Turn), pushed along 4 out, ridden and one pace next
in touch, pushed along 4 out, ridden next, soon no extra
towards rear, fell 4th (Chair)
towards rear, fell 13th (Valentine)
mid-division, headway 11th (Foinavon), effort after 3 out, no extra approaching last
always behind
towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, hampered 10th (Bechers), no danger after
in touch to 4th, soon towards rear
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, no extra from next
mid-division, hampered 10th (Bechers), outpaced 14th
towards rear, struggling halfway, tailed off when refused 14th
mid-division, fell 10th (Bechers)
towards rear, never dangerous
towards rear, fell 10th (Bechers)
mid-division, mistake and unseated rider 4th (Chair)
tracked leaders, headway to track winner after 12th (Canal Turn), led approaching 2 out, headed towards finish, no extra
in touch, mistake 11th (Foinavon), soon weakened
in touch, mistake and unseated rider 12th (Canal Turn)
led, headed approaching 2 out, soon pushed along, hard ridden and stayed on strongly flat to lead near finish
towards rear, never dangerous
towards rear, never dangerous
in touch, blundered 10th (Bechers), soon lost place, struggling when tried to refuse and fell 12th (Canal Turn)
in touch, lost place 6th, outpaced 5 out, rallied after 2 out, kept on one pace flat, no impression on 1st 2
always behind
Drombeag held on to beat Whyso Mayo (not disgraced since in the Irish Grand National) in the Foxhunters at Cheltenham and is taken to complete a quick double today, although dangers lurk everywhere in the form of Scots Grey, Le Passing and Beachcomber Bay. The form of the selection's last run looks rock solid (pair pulled a mile clear) and with the application of cheek-pieces having worked the oracle, he must go close if he acts in them second time around. His jockey is one of the most able in the race and with today's quicker ground not a problem, he must hold solid claims. Holy Joe has place claims at least although the suspicion is that he may need further so of more interest may be the classy Le Passing. His resolution may not be impeccable but he has the class to land this especially as the drying ground will play to his strengths. Where Now has the services of Nina Carberry so could feasibly go well at a big price, whilst Beachcomber Bay is consistent and looks sure to run his race. He was third in this race last year so warrants plenty of respect. Scots Grey won well last time out, however that was a weak contest and the form has since been let down. As ever, luck in running will play a major part, however we will side with Drombeag to land the spoils.
Arctic Times (IRE) 13-2 (10-11) Close up, left disputing lead at 10th, ridden 5 out, soon headed, moderate 4th after 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 14, 16l behind Whyso Mayo (11-9) at Thurles 3m hts chs sft in Jan.
Beachcomber Bay (IRE) (12-0) 9th of 13, well behind No Discount (12-0) at Kirkistown 3m ire ptp gs in Nov.
Drombeag (IRE) 8-1 (12-0) Mid-division, slight mistake 10th, 7th 5 out, 6th before 2 out, soon weakened, 10th of 19, 25l behind Whyso Mayo (11-9) at Punchestown 3m 1f hts chs gd.
Holy Joe (FR) 9-4 (11-12) Led until 9th, led again 2 out, soon strongly challenged, held on well under pressure, won at Leicester 2m 7f hts chs (3) hvy in Mar beating Paddy For Paddy (12-2) by 2l, 9 ran.
Le Passing (FR) 10-11fav (12-5) Held up, headway after 4 out, hit 3 out, hung left approaching 2 out, weakened from last, 4th of 11, 27l behind Cobreces (12-5) at Haydock 2m 6f hts chs (3) hvy in Feb.
Ned Kelly (IRE) (12-0) won at Kilfeacle 3m ire ptp sft in Jan beating Five Seven Live (12-0) by 4l, 5 ran.
Scots Grey 15-2 (11-12) Led until 3 out, soon ridden, disputing 4th when fell at the 6th in race won by Ardaghey (11-9) at Cheltenham 3m amt hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Oct, 12 ran.
Wilfie Wild 4-9fav (11-0) Held up last early; chsd wnr 16; no imp, 2nd of 4, 6l behind Texas Ranger (11-0) at Mordon 3m ptp gd in May.
