made all, driven clear from over 2f out
tracked leaders, effort over 3f out, no impression
mid-division, effort 4f out, weakened over 2f out
held up, headway 6f out, one pace final 3f
held up, headway 6f out, chased winner over 2f out, no impression
chased leaders, weakened 6f out
held up and keen, weakened over 4f out
chased winner until 6f out, tailed off 4f out
A wide open bumper here and as usual in these events the market will be very informative but the principals look to be Katapult, Charity Lane and Grand Theatre and the vote is given to Katapult. The selection was very impressive on his debut when beating Jamestown Boy, hails from a yard that has a cracking record in these events and he is taken to defy his penalty under conditions that suit. Charity Lane rates the main danger as he also won on his debut when beating Youngstown and is another that is sure to improve. Grand Theatre was second behind Desert Vision on his first start and is another with place claims but this looks much more competitive. Room At The Top was third behind Broadway Star last time and is another with place claims but he is bred to be suited by a longer trip. The Portonion is an Accordion gelding, half-brother to several winning jumpers and should be watched in the market but for the winner we are happy to return to Katapult who is taken to win this before going on to better things.
Charity Lane (IRE) 20-1 (10-4) Mid-division, headway 7f out, went 2nd over 3f out, led over 1f out, kept on, won at Haydock 2m nhf (6) sft in Dec beating Youngstown (10-7) by 2 1/2l, 19 ran.
Katapult (GER) 11-4 (11-1) Held up mid-division, led 3f out, clear from over 1f out, won at Catterick 2m mdn nhf (6) sft in Jan beating Jamestown Bay (10-11) by 8l, 15 ran.
Bayfirth (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders until ridden and weakened over 4f out, 10th of 14, well behind Knockara Beau (11-4) at Kelso 2m mdn nhf (4) hvy in Jan.
Fishing Instructor 12-1 (11-4) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon chased leaders until weakened over 1f out, 4th of 14, 20l behind Knockara Beau (11-4) at Kelso 2m mdn nhf (4) hvy in Jan.
General Potter Overbury gelding, brother to winning hurdler/chaser Missis Potts, half-brother to winning hurdlers Potts Of Magic and Mister Potter.
Grand Theatre (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Towards rear, ridden over 5f out, kept on from 2f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 15, 9l behind Desert Vision (10-7) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (5) sft in Jan.
Room At The Top (IRE) 6-1 (11-2) Held up, good headway over 3f out, one pace entering final furlong, 3rd of 9, 4l behind Broadway Star (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (6) gd in Dec.
Saddlers Singer (IRE) 100-1 (11-4) Mid-division, effort halfway, soon beaten, 10th of 13, 22l behind Merrydown (11-4) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (5) gd.
Too Cool To Fool (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Held up behind, stayed on final 3f, 3rd of 15, 16l behind Touch of Irish (11-4) at Newcastle 2m nhf (6) gs in Jan.
Flighty Mist 14-1 (11-2) Chased leaders until weakened over 5f out, 9th of 12, 40l behind Brackenmoss (10-13) at Newcastle 2m mrs nhf (5) sft in Jan.
Parisian Miss 25-1 (9-13) Always towards rear, 8th of 11, well behind Mr Multifix (10-7) at Perth 2m nhf (6) gd in Jun.
The Portonion (IRE) Accordion gelding, half-brother to several winning jumpers.
Ashgrove Diamond (IRE) 66-1 (9-10) Always behind, tailed off, 14th of 15, well behind Lets Go Girls (10-2) at Kelso 2m 4yo nhf (6) hvy in Jan.
