held up, in touch, headway approaching 3 out, driven to chase leader soon after 2 out, weakened between last 2
raced wide throughout, led to well before 3rd, lost place, rallied to chase leaders 3 out, weakened between last 2
chased leaders, led approaching 3rd, hit 2 out, pushed 2 lengths clear when mistake last, headed running, rallied well under pressure
not fluent, took keen hold, held up in rear, weakened after 3 out
held up in 7th, headway approaching 2 out, chased leaders after, went 2nd and closed on leader approaching last, led flat, driven and stayed on under pressure
in touch, ridden and no impression on leaders after 3 out
always behind, struggling before 4 out, tailed off
chased leaders, went 2nd travelling well approaching 3 out, weakened after next
took keen hold, chased leader well before 3rd hit next, ridden approaching 3 out, weakening when hit 2 out, tailed off
This race could go some way to establishing the pecking order amongst this season's novices, and we take Quaddick Lane to gain revenge over Snap Tie. Spectait and Zilcash can prove best of the remainder. There is no doubting the confidence that connections have in Snap Tie, the five-year-old having proved himself not just a morning glory on the Minehead gallops by scoring on his hurdles debut over the course-and-distance last month. However, his task was made easier when Quaddick Lane crashed out at the final flight, just as he was moving upsides and gathering speed. David Pipe reckons that this ex-Irish pointer is his best chance of a winner at the Open meeting, and who are we to argue. With a handy 7lb pull now thanks to Snap Tie's penalty, Quaddick Lane can make amends. Spectait did nothing wrong when staying on from the back to make a winning debut at Aintree, and this former Flat racer will be in the shake-up no doubt, while the fact that Alan King relies on Zilcash from the wealth of talent at Barbury Castle speaks volumes, especially as this has always been his target, according to the trainer. So, a race to whet the appetite, and one in which Quaddick Lane can stamp himself a serious Festival contender by coming good.
Dark Bolero (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Held up, moderate 6th halfway, 5th 3 out, 4th before next, kept on, 3rd of 9, 5l behind Norther Bay (10-11) at Tipperary 2m nov hdl Grd 3 (1) gd in Oct.
Kirbybroguelantern (IRE) 8-11fav (11-9) Settled 2nd, slow at 2nd, 4th when slight mistake 5th, 2nd and smooth headway 3 out, led travelling easily entering straight, soon quickened clear, not extended, won at Limerick 2m mdn hdl gd beating Never Will (11-5) by 8l, 14 ran.
Snap Tie (IRE) 6-4fav (11-2) Chased leaders, went 2nd 2 out, challenging and upsides when left well clear last, won at Cheltenham 2m mdn hdl (3) gd in Oct beating Most Definitely (11-2) by 12l, 17 ran.
Spectait 4-5fav (11-0) Held up, headway 3 out, soon ridden, chased leader approaching last, led flat, kept on well, won at Aintree 2m mdn hdl (3) gd in Oct beating Our Choice (11-0) by 3l, 14 ran.
I'msingingtheblues (IRE) 2-1fav (10-12) Mid-division, headway after 3 out, chased leader 2 out, challenged on bit last, soon led, driven out flat, readily, won at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Oct beating County Zen (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 14 ran.
Zilcash 5-2 (11-0) Chased leader to well before 2 out, soon weakened and lost moderate 3rd well before last, 4th of 6, 25l behind Alph (11-0) at Kempton 2m hdl (2) gd in Oct.
Imperial Harry 25-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, never dangerous, 12th of 17, 32l behind Snap Tie (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m mdn hdl (3) gd in Oct.
Petit Robin (FR) (11-0) Won at Pau 2m 3f chs sft in Feb beating Playing (10-5) by 1/2l, 5 ran.
Quaddick Lake (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, led 2 out, narrow lead when blundered and fell at the last in race won by Snap Tie (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m mdn hdl (3) gd in Oct, 17 ran.
