tracked leader, ridden to challenge over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, under pressure over 4f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, stayed on strongly to lead well inside final furlong, ridden out
held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders over 6f out, driven to challenge over 3f out, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on well
led, raced freely, headed over 1f out, rallied to lead again inside final furlong, headed and no extra last strides
chased leaders, lost place over 3f out, rallied over 1f out, never able to challenge
green in rear, soon ridden, weakened halfway, some late headway, never nearer
held up in rear, headway halfway, chased leaders over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
Big Mike was having his first start since finishing runner-up in an Irish point-to-point last spring when occupying the same position behind Zeroeshadesofgrey here last month and is entitled to make progress. Landmarque also started off here last month and stayed on once getting the hang of things so should also improve. Serenity Now disappointed at Newcastle when attracting good support and will need to do better as will Shantou Tiger, who hasn't shown much so far. TOMMY O'DWYER has a very stout pedigree being related to several winning chasers but his trainer knows how to get them ready first time and he's handed the vote to make a winning start.
Big Mike (IRE) 8-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, driven over 3f out, stayed on to take 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 6l behind Zeroeshadesofgrey (11-1) at Catterick 2m cond NH flat (5) sft in Jan.
Landmarque 11-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, in rear halfway, headway before 4f out on inner, kept on same pace from over 1f out, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Gone Forever (10-0) at Catterick 2m cond NH flat (5) hvy in Jan.
Palm Grey (IRE) Great Palm gelding out of Lucy Cooper.
Serenity Now (IRE) 7-2fav (11-2) Held up mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on same pace, 6th of 14, 8l behind Chidswell (11-2) at Newcastle 2m mdn NH flat (6) gd in Nov.
Shantou Tiger (IRE) 10-1 (11-2) Close up, pushed along over 3f out, one pace over 1f out, 5th of 11, 8l behind Bobble Boru (10-9) at Ludlow 1m 6f mdn NH flat (5) gs in Nov.
Tommy O'dwyer (IRE) Milan gelding out of Always Present.
Trooper Royal 4-1 (10-12) Tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, soon lost place, weakened 2f out, 8th of 12, 25l behind Starplex (10-5) at Newcastle 1m 6f n h flat 3yo (6) sft in Dec.
True Gold Beat All filly out of Jackie Jarvis.
