raced in 3rd, improved on to heels of leader 5 out, disputed lead over 4 out and 3 out, in front next and ran on strongly
led 3rd until 5th, tracked leader but pushed along after slight mistake 5 out, effort 3 out, kept on but not pace of winner
raced in fourth, pushed along 5 out, kept on at same pace
slightly worse than midfield, struggling after 4th and pulled up before 6th
towards rear, effort to get closer 4 out, ridden 3 out, mistake next and found no extra
in rear, began to lose touch 6th, pulled up after 3 out
mid-division, smooth headway to touch down over 4 out in share of lead, not pace of winner after 2 out, passed for 2nd before last, kept on
led until 3rd and again 5th, headed 4 out, kept on at same pace
Ardera Cross won last year’s renewal off a higher mark with Saint Leo well beaten in fourth. Zolfo notched-up a four-timer last season but hasn’t raced since January while both Protek Des Flos and Flowery also ended last term with victories with the former preferred over today’s trip. DRUMCONNOR LAD has the advantage of a recent outing over hurdles and, with a conditional’s allowance also helping his cause back over the larger obstacles, he can add to an earlier course and distance success.
Drumconnor Lad (IRE) 22-1 (11-9) Held up in rear, never dangerous, last of 9, dist behind Flashing Glance (11-9) at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Flowery (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Made all, not fluent 1st, clear 2 out, ridden before last, driven out close home, won at Sedgefield 2m 5f hcp (2) hvy in Mar beating Bollin Ace (10-7) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
Protek Des Flos (FR) 15-2 (11-4) Tracked leader, outpaced by front pair after 2 out, soon ridden, rallied final 110 yards, stayed on well to lead near finish, won at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (3) hvy in Feb beating Looks Like Murt (11-3) by 1l, 8 ran.
Zolfo (IRE) 7-1 (11-13) Tracked leaders, went 2nd from 2 out, led last, kept on, driven out, won at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp (3) sft in Jan beating Bandsman (11-5) by hd, 8 ran.
Clan Legend 11-4fav (11-6) Tracked leaders, effort on outside after 4 out, every chance when blundered next, ridden and one pace 2 out, held when left 3rd last, 4th of 6, 8 1/2l behind Drumconnor Lad (11-12) at Ayr 2m hcp (3) sft in Mar.
Saint Leo (FR) 5-1 (11-2) Led until 3 out, lost 2nd before next, soon hung left and weakened, 4th of 6, 13 1/2l behind Storm Rising (11-2) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Pistol Park (FR) 8-1 (11-5) Last pair, reminder after 8th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out, at Musselburgh 2m 1f hcp (3) sft in Feb.
Ardera Cross (IRE) 25-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, ridden 4 out, stayed on flat, nearest finish, 5th of 12, 6 1/4l behind Las Tunas (10-11) at Carlisle 2m hcp (4) gd in Oct.
