held up in 3rd, closed 4 out, ridden to chase winner 3 out, kept on one pace
keen, led and soon 15 lengths clear, reduced lead 6 out, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakened next
chased clear leader, closed 6 out, led approaching 3 out, stayed on, readily
NonRunner
NonRunner
Three Irish raiders here. THE FLIER BEGLEY is back in calmer waters after failing to handle Listed company at Navan and his experience can count. Midnight It Is has been unable to overcome an 8lb rise for scoring at Clonmel in October though the ground should be in his favour. Salamanca Bay looked a nice prospect when trained in Ireland but has not run since unseating in an Aintree Grade 1 hurdle in April last year. Soft Risk won a bumper then three novice hurdles in 2021/2 before twice runner-up in handicaps. He also has a long absence to overcome on his debut over fences.
The Flier Begley (IRE) 13-2 (10-1) Mid-division, slight mistake 5th and mistake 8th, weakened 4 out, behind when pulled up before last, at Navan 2m 4f hcp lst (1) hvy in Dec.
Salamanca Bay (IRE) 80-1 (11-4) Led, joined when mistake and unseated rider 3 out, at Aintree 2m (1) gs in Apr.
Soft Risk (FR) 9-4 (11-6) Chased leaders, headway when left in lead 3 out, pushed along before last, ridden and headed after last, kept on well flat, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Platinumcard (10-0) at Ayr 2m hcp (3) gs in Apr.
Jackpot De Choisel (FR) 7-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders early, soon dropped to rear and pulled up before 2nd, at Listowel 2m hcp lst (1) Good - Yielding in Sep.
Midnight It Is 9-2 (11-12) Chased leader, 4th halfway, left 3rd 4 out and closer early straight, ridden and no impression when slight mistake last, no extra run-in, 3rd of 7, 14l behind Captains Nephew (11-11) at Clonmel 2m 2f hcp hvy in Dec.
