held up in mid-division, closed before 10th, no impression from 3 out
slow 1st, made most until 4 out, weakened 2 out
mid-division, headway before 10th, switched right after 4 out, went 2nd 3 out, stayed on flat, just held
held up towards rear, mistake 12th, behind from 13th
led briefly 1st, traced leaders, ridden 4 out, mistake and held from 2 out, stayed on same pace
in touch in mid-division, lost place 7th, outpaced after 13th, rallied 2 out, went 3rd before last, unable to get on terms
held up in rear, headway 12th, no impression on leaders from 3 out
always prominent, not fluent 11th, led 4 out, all out
NonRunner
Cobolobo would have a cracking chance on his last-gasp defeat at Ascot at the start of the year but he’s hard to catch right. Ard Chros won three times last season, including once here, but stamina remains unproven over this trip. Rath An Iuir wears cheekpieces for the first time but Rose Dobbin may have a better chance with Hitman Fred with Dylan Johnston claiming 10lb. Lucinda Russell is also double-handed and it’s no surprise that Derek Fox has chosen DESTINY IS ALL over the hat-trick seeking Return Fire as the eight-year-old has a terrific record around here and was an easy winner over 3m at Kelso four weeks ago. Tim Pat will strip fitter for a run at Bangor but Lord Roco may need to drop a few pounds before getting off the mark over fences.
Tim Pat (IRE) 15-2 (12-2) Held up in mid-division, shaken up before 4 out, ridden next, no extra from 2 out, 5th of 9, 30l behind Only The Bold (11-6) at Bangor-on-Dee 3m hcp (3) hvy in Nov.
Cobolobo (FR) 9-1 (10-8) Tracked leaders, pushed along after 4 out, weakened quickly, pulled up before next, at Warwick 3m hcp (2) sft in Nov.
Lord Roco 15-8fav (11-0) Midfield, hampered by rival 1st, not fluent 8th, mistake 11th, pushed along and outpaced 4 out, rallied approaching last, stayed on well for 2nd close home, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind Malinello (11-10) at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Ard Chros (IRE) 10-3 (11-5) Led, headed after 12th, faded approaching 2 out, 8th of 9, dist behind Croagh Patrick (10-0) at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Mar.
Return Fire (IRE) 4-5fav (11-11) Prominent, challenged 3 out, led 2 out, clear last and ran on well flat, won at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp (5) gd in Nov beating Mance Rayder (12-2) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.
Destiny Is All (IRE) 7-2 (11-2) Chased leaders, left in 2nd 13th, shaken up and led 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on strongly to win going away, won at Kelso 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Nov beating Tfou (11-10) by 7 1/2l, 5 ran.
Don't Tell Allen (IRE) 33-1 (12-2) Off the pace towards rear, moderate headway under pressure from 3 out, never on terms with principals, 4th of 9, 14l behind Sputnik (10-5) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Oct.
Hitman Fred (IRE) 18-1 (11-4) Midfield, pushed along to challenge before 2 out, briefly rallied approaching last, weakened close home, 3rd of 6, 7 3/4l behind Hold The Note (11-7) at Kelso 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Rath An Iuir (IRE) 10-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, pushed along after 5 out, ridden in 4th 3 out, kept on, not pace to challenge, 5th of 9, 12 1/4l behind Morning Spirit (11-11) at Carlisle 3m hcp (3) sft in Nov.
