tracked leader, led 6 out, hit 4 out, ridden before 3 out and soon pressed, kept on from last, weakened and headed towards finish
towards rear, ridden before 4 out, no impression from before 2 out
towards rear, headway 5 out, challenged from 2 out, kept on to lead towards finish, just held on
towards rear, outpaced before 4 out, ridden and kept on from 2 out
led to 6 out, pushed along after 5 out, weakened 3 out
tracked leaders, every chance 2 out, kept on and just held close home
in rear, tailed off from 6 out
mid-division, ridden 2 out, kept on from last, no impression
NonRunner
Rowdy Rocher took advantage of a lower hurdles mark here a couple of weeks ago but his earlier form over fences was inconsistent. Plus Jamais was beaten 14 lengths in that event over timber but he's better over fences and has run well here in the past. Present Lodger completed a hat-trick at this time two years ago and looked to be on the way back before a poor run at Kelso in November. A chance is taken with PRESENTING JUNIOR, who landed a Listed handicap here in April 2015 but hasn't won subsequently though he's been tackling better class and has gradually come down the weights. Gold Opera has a good record around here and does well when getting his jumping act together so he's one to consider but Beauboreen seems better over further.
Gold Opera (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders, blundered 7th, mistake next, son tailed off, pulled up before 2 out, at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (4) gs in Dec.
Presenting Junior (IRE) 15-2 (10-12) Held up in rear, close up 13th, outpaced before 4 out, soon ridden, modest 4th from next, 4th of 6, 17 3/4l behind Viva Steve (11-9) at Ayr 3m hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Rowdy Rocher (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, clear next, kept on strongly, won at Ayr 3m hcp (4) sft in Jan beating Lochnell (11-1) by 8l, 9 ran.
Present Lodger (IRE) 13-2 (11-0) Held up in touch, weakened before 10th, tailed off, 4th of 7, dist behind Trickaway (11-6) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Beauboreen (IRE) 8-1 (11-11) Prominent on inside, led 7th until 10th, lost place 12th, behind 14th, pulled up before 16th, at Bangor 3m 6f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Plus Jamais (FR) 11-4fav (11-10) Led to 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 9, 14l behind Rowdy Rocher (11-12) at Ayr 3m hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Verko (FR) 28-1 (11-0) In rear, struggling from halfway, plugged on, never dangerous, 4th of 10, dist behind Munsaab (11-7) at Hexham 2m 6f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Dick Darsie (IRE) 4-1fav (11-12) Led until 4th, stayed handy until 15th, soon well held and pulled up, at Wetherby 3m hcp (4) gs in Dec.
Master Ruffit (IRE) 100-1 (11-12) Led early, headed 2nd, weakened from 8th, behind straight, 10th of 14, dist behind Our Duke (11-12) at Navan 2m 4f Yielding - Soft in Dec.