led, set steady pace until quickened after 11th, challenged when hit 2 out, headed before last, rallied closing stages, stayed on gamely to lead again last stride
tracked leader, lost place approaching and jumped slowly 12th, soon no impression, modest 3rd
tracked leaders, slow 9th, took closer order next, outpaced 4 out, rallied and every chance 2 out, led before last, hard pressed closing stages, headed last stride, just failed
always in 4th, outpaced 5 out, soon beaten, modest 4th
Withdrawn
Golden Hoof was an early faller in the race in which Thomas Crapper finished second at Cheltenham. Robin Dickin's novice deserves to win a decent prize but had a hard race at The Festival, which may have taken its toll. PUFFIN BILLY didn't make it to Cheltenham but did gain a morale-boosting victory at Leicester last month and has won three of his four starts around here. He has to concede weight all round but might have the class to prevail. Polisky has disappointed since finishing second over 3m here in November but can't be ruled out and makes more appeal than the mare Pumped Up Kicks, who is having her first run for a new yard after a lay-off.
Puffin Billy (IRE) 4-9fav (11-6) Led, hit 4 out, headed before next, good jump to lead again at fence, clear flat, stayed on, won at Leicester 2m 7f nov chs (3) sft in Feb beating Tinker Time (11-6) by 3l, 3 ran.
Polisky (FR) 6-1 (11-12) Held up in touch on inside, pushed along after 10th, struggling 12th, went modest 4th before 3 out until weakened 2 out, 5th of 8, 39l behind Comeonginger (11-5) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Feb.
Thomas Crapper 6-1fav (11-4) Mid-division on outside, headway 10th, chased leaders 3 out, challenged next, ridden to chase leader when hung left flat, kept on to take 2nd towards finish, no impression with winner, 2nd of 20, 2 1/2l behind Irish Cavalier (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 4f Listed nov hcap ch (1) gs.
Pumped Up Kicks (IRE) 7-2 (11-7) Soon chased leaders, 5th after 5th, 4th 3 out, under pressure approaching straight, left 3rd from 2 out, soon no impression, one pace, 3rd of 9, 11l behind Painted Lady (11-5) at Fairyhouse 2m 5f beg chs gd in Oct.
Golden Hoof (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Held up behind, fell 1st, in a race won by Irish Cavalier (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 4f Listed nov hcap ch (1) gs, 20 ran.