held up towards rear, soon in rear, tailed off over 3f out
tracked leaders, lost place before halfway, tailed off
held up in touch and keen, tracked leaders halfway, went 2nd over 7f out, one pace from over 1f out
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace
tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
mid-division, went 4th over 3f out, led over 1f out, kept on well
in rear and keen, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace and no impression
Ivan Boru made a positive start over C&D last month and has every chance of going one better today. However, it may be worth giving another chance to VINSTAR who was so impressive on his UK debut at Carlisle when beating today's rival Tough Trade by eight lengths before finding Runswick Royal too good at Haydock. The step up to 2m should be in his favour. Mick Easterby's bumper horses generally need a run or two but Honourable Howard is certainly worth monitoring for future reference and preferred to Johnny Og of the newcomers.
Badgers Den 50-1 (10-8) Always behind, 10th of 11, well behind Pair Of Jacks (11-4) at Catterick 2m NH flat (6) sft in Dec.
Honourable Howard Alflora gelding out of Cadourova.
Ivan Boru (IRE) 9-2 (10-11) Held up in rear, headway over 4f out, chased winner over 2f out, never able to challenge, 2nd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Pair Of Jacks (11-4) at Catterick 2m NH flat (6) sft in Dec.
Vinstar (FR) 6-5fav (10-12) Led, ridden and edged right over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 13, 2 1/4l behind Runswick Royal (10-12) at Haydock 1m 5f n h flat 3yo (4) sft in Nov.
Gallant Leader (USA) Zamindar gelding out of Real Trust.
Johnny Og Flemensfirth gelding out of Mrs Roberts.
Tough Trade 3-1 (10-9) Held up in rear, headway over 3f out, went 2nd over 2f out, one pace and no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Vinstar (11-5) at Carlisle 1m 6f n h flat 3yo (6) hvy in Nov.
Alfapoint 40-1 (11-2) Held up mid-division, headway to go 3rd over 3f out, weakened entering final furlong, 5th of 11, 8l behind Enchanted Garden (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 1f NH flat (6) sft in Dec.