chased leaders, led when mistake 2 out, soon headed, no extra flat
jumped left and not that fluent, prominent, led after 2nd, headed 3 out, weakened and pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, headway 7th, challenged 2 out, soon led, headed last, no extra final 100 yards
mid-division, mistake 1st, 2nd and 5th, headway from 8th, switched left after 2 out, led last, held on
behind, mistake 5th and 6th, struggling from 7th, never dangerous
led 1st until after 2nd, chased leader, mistake 6th, soon lost 2nd, struggling from 8th
led until 1st, chased leaders, went 2nd before 7th, led 3 out, headed 2 out, weakened last
held up in rear, headway before 2 out but still plenty to do, rider dropped whip and went 2nd flat, stayed on, not reach winner
Magic Saint bids to follow up last week’s Cheltenham victory off a 7lb higher mark. Capeland won this last year but didn’t get far behind Amoola Gold over course and distance three weeks ago and cheekpieces are added today. First Flow placed twice here last term but did all of his winning in small fields against lesser opposition. ABBEY MAGIC (NAP) has gone from strength-to-strength since joining Henry De Bromhead and can pass this latest test with flying colours ahead of fellow Irish raider Drumconnor Lad, who is more exposed.
Magic Saint (FR) 10-3 (12-0) Chased leaders, went 2nd 6th, led before 2 out, in command flat, stayed on well, won at Cheltenham 2m hcp (2) gs in Nov beating Fanion D'estruval (11-12) by 2 1/4l, 9 ran.
Gino Trail (IRE) 20-1 (11-8) Led, not fluent 6th (water) or 7th, headed 10th, weakened after 3 out, eased and pulled up before 2 out, at Cheltenham 2m hcp (1) gs in Mar.
Capeland (FR) 3-1 (11-12) Mid-division, hit 3rd, fell 6th, at Ascot 2m 1f hcp lst (1) sft in Oct.
First Flow (IRE) 1-16fav (11-13) Made all, 10 lengths clear after 5 out, very easily (1 fence omitted), won at Carlisle 2m (3) hvy in Mar beating Rollerruler (10-12) by 6l, 4 ran.
Drumconnor Lad (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Raced in 3rd, improved on to heels of leader 5 out, disputed lead over 4 out and 3 out, in front next and ran on strongly, won at Ayr 2m hcp (3) hvy in Oct beating Flowery (11-11) by 3 3/4l, 8 ran.
Marracudja (FR) 33-1 (10-13) Held up in rear, hampered 8th, no impression, 6th of 10, 25 1/4l behind Greaneteen (11-3) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp (1) gd in Nov.
Abbey Magic (IRE) 3-1fav (10-9) Disputed lead, headed 2nd and raced in 2nd, gained narrow lead 3 out, stayed on well run-in, won at Cork 2m 2f hcp gd in Oct beating Lakemilan (11-0) by 1 3/4l, 8 ran.
Amoola Gold (GER) 9-2 (10-8) Towards rear, not fluent 4th, headway 6th, not fluent 2 out, stayed on to take 2nd last, challenged flat, led close home, won at Ascot 2m 1f hcp lst (1) sft in Oct beating Ibleo (10-8) by shd, 7 ran.
