keen disputed lead until led over 4f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace and lost 3rd inside final furlong
in touch in rear, wide and headway to lead over 1f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, stayed on
close up, effort when not clear run entering final 2f, switched left, kept on same pace
raced wide prominent, ridden and every chance 2f out, led inside final furlong, ridden out
in touch in rear, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on to go 3rd towards finish
close up, ridden 2f out, weakening when hampered over 1f out
disputed lead until over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, eased, tailed off
A potentially-decent bumper to close proceedings. Paddock Cottage is certain to improve on his third at Ayr and his yard has a good strike-rate in this sphere. Supreme Gift probably sets the standard on seconds at Southwell and Huntingdon with War Soldier penalised for winning on Tapeta at Newcastle but MAXIMILIAN won easily between the flags in Ireland in October. His trainer is a past master at preparing similar types for bumpers so he gets the nod ahead of Newcastle third Bingoo and a trio of Irish-trained newcomers.
War Soldier (IRE) 15-2 (11-0) Held up, headway 6f out, ridden and every chance over 2f out, led entering final furlong, ran on, won at Newcastle 2m (5) gs in Dec beating Ceolwulf (11-0) by 1l, 16 ran.
Bella Union (IRE) Mahler gelding out of Missusan.
Bingoo 9-2 (11-6) Held up, ridden 3f out, headway 2f out, ran on, 3rd of 10, 5 3/4l behind Ri Na Farraige (11-6) at Newcastle 2m (5) pol in Jan.
Langdale Lane (IRE) Kalanisi gelding out of Boarding Pass.
Maximilian (GER) 7-2 (11-11) Mid-div, 6th 1/2way, rdn in 3rd to chall appr str, 2nd 2out, sn ld, 1l adv last where gd jmp, kow to win gng away, won at Rathcannon 3m mdn sft in Oct beating Pray Tell (12-2) by 3l, 9 ran.
Paddock Cottage (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway and ran green from 3f out, went 3rd inside final furlong, stayed on, no impression on winner, 3rd of 14, 7 1/2l behind Carnfunnock (11-0) at Ayr 2m (5) gs in Nov.
Supreme Gift (IRE) 4-1jfav (11-0) Chased leaders, led 3f out, edged left and headed over 2f out, stayed on, went 2nd close home, no impression on winner, 2nd of 14, 2 1/4l behind Crambo (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m (5) sft in Dec.
Top Ville Bobby (IRE) 9-1 (11-6) Never better than mid-division, 6th of 10, 17l behind Ri Na Farraige (11-6) at Newcastle 2m (5) pol in Jan.
Hashtag Lord (FR) Coastal Path gelding out of Serie Limitee.
Izzy Bell Eagle Top filly out of Urbane Bell.
