always behind, pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders, led approaching 5 out, headed approaching 3 out, one pace, lost 2nd near finish
in touch, effort 4 out, one pace and edged left from 3 out, weakened flat
chased leaders, lost place halfway
held up in touch, led approaching 3 out, very easily
held up mid-division, outpaced from 3 out
held up, headway to go prominent approaching 4 out, stayed on well to take 2nd near finish
held up, behind, ridden halfway, headway approaching 4 out, kept on flat
close up, led 4th, headed approaching 5 out, weakened approaching 4 out, pulled up before 3 out
always behind
led to 4th, remained close up until weakened approaching 4 out
Nonrunner
Marshall Hall gets the confident vote here with Duke Orsino and Star Fever rating the main dangers. The selection won with plenty in hand last time out when beating Flight Command and although he has a penalty for that win he still looks ahead of the handicaper and under similar conditions he is hard to oppose. Duke Orsino is rates the main danger on his latest fourth behind Ela Rae but he looks weighted up to his bed. Star Fever is another that could go well as he won with a little in hand last time out but this looks more competitive. Of the remainder Aztec Prince is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but his best form is over a longer trip and with this in mind for the winner we return to Marshall Hall in the hope that this race does not come to quick for him.
Star Fever (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Always handy, led approaching 9th, headed last, kept on to lead run-in, won at Musselburgh 3m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Jan beating Tickateal (11-2) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Aztec Prince (IRE) 7-1 (11-9) Held up, mistake 4th, headway to lead 4 out, headed next, soon one pace, 3rd of 11, 8l behind Barton Sun (10-5) at Newcastle 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Jan.
Birdwatch 10-1 (9-13) In touch, headway 8th, outpaced 4 out, no impression when blundered 2 out, 4th of 6, 15l behind Character Building (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Feb.
Marshall Hall (IRE) 5-1fav (10-0) Held up in mid-division, headway 4th, went 3rd 3 out, shaken up to lead last, soon drew clear, eased towards finish, won at Catterick 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy in Feb beating Flight Command (11-9) by 5l, 14 ran.
Perfect Punch 11-2jt-fav (11-11) Mid-division, lost place 8th, behind when pulled up at the 10th in race won by Baligrundle (10-7) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft in Jan, 14 ran.
Mister Magnum (IRE) 9-2 (10-9) Always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Iloveturtle (10-12) at Wetherby 2m hcp chs (5) hvy in Jan, 11 ran.
Mitey Perk (IRE) 33-1 (11-1) Made all, unchallenged, won at Ayr 2m beg chs (4) hvy in Dec beating Musical Chord (11-1) by a distance, 4 ran.
Duke Orsino (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Tracked leaders, mistake 6th, pushed along 8th, soon weakened, last of 4, 15l behind Ela Re (11-4) at Wetherby 2m beg chs (4) sft in Dec.
