tracked leader, led after 3 out, ridden between last 2, soon clear, hit last, easily
never that fluent, led, hit 5th, pushed along and headed after 3 out, lost 2nd before next, soon weakened
chased leaders, jumped slowly 1st, went badly right 6th, went badly right again and weakened next, tailed off
held up in last pair, struggling when went left and mistake 5th, tailed off 3 out
took keen hold, tracked leaders, hit 3rd, went 2nd before 2 out, no impression before the last, no chance with winner
jumped poorly in rear, jumped right 1st, went badly right again and mistake 2nd, soon lost touch, tailed off when when went left 5th, pulled up soon after
The two previous winners should dominate this with SAM SPINNER preferred to Mr Monochrome. The latter was second over 2m2f at Market Rasen in November after winning over 2m at Ayr on his hurdling debut but Jedd O’Keeffe’s has already won over this course and distance and is two from two at the track overall. He was trying to give 7lb to subsequent winner Mount Mews when suffering his only defeat over timber at Kelso in December. Barring accidents, the others will be playing for places.
Sam Spinner 5-6fav (11-9) Tracked leader, close up after 5th, led narrowly after next, drew clear between last 2, kept on well, won at Catterick 2m 3f (4) gs in Jan beating Master Of Irony (11-9) by 7l, 9 ran.
Mr Monochrome 8-1 (11-5) Led, ridden and joined 2 out, headed before last, driven and stayed on same pace run-in, 2nd of 7, 2 1/4l behind No Comment (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f (4) gs in Nov.
Emerald Thief (IRE) 200-1 (11-4) Mid-division, weakened from 4 out, tailed off, 11th of 13, dist behind Mr Big Shot (11-4) at Wetherby 2m (4) gs in Jan.
Our Morris (IRE) 200-1 (11-5) In rear, not fluent and well behind 8th, 6th of 11, dist behind Catchamat (11-5) at Newcastle 2m 6f (4) sft in Jan.
Reverant Cust (IRE) 200-1 (11-4) Held up behind and keen, effort before 3 out, never dangerous, 5th of 13, 23 1/2l behind Mr Big Shot (11-4) at Wetherby 2m (4) gs in Jan.
Rich Man Poor Man (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) In rear, soon detached, tailed off from 5 out, pulled up before 3 out, at Wetherby 2m mdn (5) gs in Jan.