tracked leaders in 3rd, pushed along before 5 out, headway 4 out, quickly weakened from 2 out
held up in touch, went 2nd before 3 out, every chance 2 out, weakened and lost 2 place run-in
tracked leader, led 4 out, ridden before 2 out, clear last, kept on well
in rear, headway before 2 out, kept on to chase winner run-in, no impression
led to 4 out, soon lost place, tailed off
in touch in 4th, headway before 3 out, kept on to take 3rd run-in
NonRunner
Robin Des Mana has been quite consistent in Ireland since going close at Punchestown in October and this looks a bit easier. But he is looking a tad exposed which is not a charge that could be levelled at the Nicky Richards’ pair Vouvray and REIVERS LAD (NAP). The former won a minor contest between the flags at Mainstown in November but the latter makes more appeal on this occasion. Craig Nichols’ mount did well in bumpers last season but, on breeding, should do even better now having some hurdles to negotiate. Strong Economy is preferred to Better Back Bracka of the others.
Border Victor 150-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, weakened from 3 out, 5th of 13, 24l behind King Of Fashion (11-6) at Ayr 2m 4f mdn (5) sft in Jan.
Reivers Lad 10-3 (11-8) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 3 1/4l behind Gibbes Bay (10-10) at Ayr 2m (3) gs in Apr.
Strong Economy (IRE) 13-2 (11-6) Prominent, led 3 out, headed 2 out, kept on and no impression, 2nd of 13, 6l behind King Of Fashion (11-6) at Ayr 2m 4f mdn (5) sft in Jan.
Vertigo (IRE) 9-1 (11-6) Mid-division, effort before 3 out, never dangerous, 7th of 14, 25 1/4l behind Capitoul (11-6) at Ayr 2m mdn (5) hvy in Dec.
Vouvray (FR) 5-2 (12-1) Mid div, 4th 1/2way, 30l 3rd bef 2out, gd prog to chall last, qckn up well aft early run-in, ko best flat, won at Mainstown 3m mdn gd in Nov beating Babytaggle (12-1) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Better Back Bracka (IRE) 7-1 (10-7) Held up mid-division, went 3rd from 3 out, chased winner from 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 14, 12l behind Lough Derg Jewel (11-0) at Kelso 2m 7f mdn (5) gs in Dec.
Robin Des Mana (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, moderate 4th halfway, ridden in moderate 4th 2 out, no impression, 4th of 21, 15 1/2l behind Gunnery Sergeant (11-12) at Punchestown 2m mdn sft in Jan.