held up, headway 10th, ridden to chase winner 2 out, no extra from last
in touch, effort and every chance 4 out, not fluent next, mistake 2 out, soon no impression
with leader, led 10th, made rest, ridden clear flat
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 12th
made most to 9th, soon lost place, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 12th
tracked leaders, led 9th to next, driven and outpaced 2 out, soon weakened
held up, reminders 9th, effort 5 out, ridden and weakened 3 out
in touch, outpaced 4 out, ridden and kept on to go 2nd flat, no chance with winner
Combat Drinker can make fitness count over Spring Gamble, with Northern Minster and South Bronx a couple worth a mention. Combat Drinker was successful over hurdles at Wetherby in May, and in the main has been most consistent. He goes on top of the ground and is sure to have been well schooled over fences, hailing as he does from the Grand National winning yard of Ginger McCain. Spring Gamble finished fourth to Fool On The Hill on his chase bow back in March and has not been seen since. This former Flat performer could be a danger if fit enough along with Northern Minster who is another that returns after a break. He felt the benefit of a soft palate operation when scoring over hurdles here in March but in addition to his absence, the ground will surely be too lively for him today. South Bronx took on useful opponents over timber last season, including Faasel at Kelso, and he will be all the better for his run out at Perth in August. He is another that is sure to have been put through his paces over the bigger obstacles at home, but for the winner we return to Combat Drinker.
Combat Drinker (IRE) 11-2 (11-4) Held up in rear, pushed along after 3 out, headway and effort approaching last, no extra run-in, 3rd of 6, 7l behind Catch The Perk (11-1) at Hexham 3m nov hdl (E) gf in Sept.
Northern Minster 9-2 (10-8) Held up in rear, headway 4th and in touch, outpaced 3 out, rallied approaching last, kept on same pace, 4th of 9, 10l behind Ramblees Holly (9-12) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gs in Apr.
Pass Me By 25-1 (11-12) Took keen hold, always behind, 9th of 11, well behind Downing Street (11-7) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd in Jul.
Port Natal (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) Mid-division, 8th approaching halfway, weakened before 4 out and pulled up 3 out in race won by Francys Fancy (11-0) at Thurles 2m hcp hdl gd in Dec '03, 18 ran.
Sandy Gold (IRE) (12-0) pulled up in race won by Always Present (11-10) at Dromahane 3m ire ptp sft in Apr '04, 12 ran.
Silent Voice (IRE) 33-1 (9-11) Always behind, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Snowy (11-12) at Kelso 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-100 (E) gf, 10 ran.
South Bronx (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, ridden and outpaced approaching 3 out, 8th of 9, well behind Rajam (11-4) at Perth 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gf in Aug.
Spring Gamble (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) With leaders, led 4th to 9th, hit 12th, weakened approaching 3 out, 4th of 7, 21l behind Fool On The Hill (11-0) at Doncaster 2m 3f beg chs (E) gd in Mar.
