held up, took closer order 7th, effort approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out
chased leaders until 11th, soon behind, pulled up before 15th
tracked leaders, joined leader and travelling well 3 out, led approaching last, idled flat, always in command
led, mistake 12th and next, ridden and headed when fell heavily 3 out
held up, hit 6th, lost touch 11th, pulled up before 16th
mid-division, lost touch from 11th, pulled up before 4 out
prominent, ridden and every chance 3 out, weakened next
in touch, joined and leader and mistake 14th, led approaching 3 out, ridden and headed after 2 out, flattered brielfy when winner idled flat, held
went right 8th, soon tailed off, pulled up before 11th
Willyanwoody gets the nod here ahead of Albertas Run. The selection was successful in the point-to-point sphere and translated that run to the racetrack when winning comprehensively on debut at Exeter. A feature of that run was superb jumping and whilst this race is tougher and with more rivals, this highly-though-of sort should run a big race. Albertas Run is stepped up in trip again here having been outpointed at Aintree and as he stays well there should be a big run coming here. Itsmyboy has won four of his five starts to date and he seems to run very well for Timmy Murphy. He may not be the most straight-forward but there is no arguing with his record to date. Oniz Tiptoes returns to the bigger obstacles and has claims of a place, whilst Opera De Coeur has shown ability over fences without getting the head in front and needs to improve for his summer break. An open race, but the potential of Wilyanwoody is evident and he gets the vote.
Itsmyboy (IRE) 5-1 (11-6) Held up, headway 4 out, challenged approaching 2 out, led flat, pushed out, won at Bangor 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Aug beating Tribal Venture (10-13) by 2l, 12 ran.
Oniz Tiptoes (IRE) 3-1fav (10-4) Led, headed after 2nd, remained with leader, led again before 6th, headed 3 out, 4th and looking held when hit last, 5th of 9, 13l behind Lothian Falcon (11-5) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gf.
Albertas Run (IRE) 9-4 (11-8) Held up in touch, went 2nd after 5 out, blundered next, soon ridden, blundered 3 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 22l behind Tidal Bay (11-3) at Aintree 2m 4f nov chs (3) gd in Oct.
Willyanwoody (IRE) 7-4 (11-4) Made virtually all, slipped bend approaching 3rd, clear approaching 3 out, not fluent 3 out, shaken up, hit 2 out, pushed out, easily, won at Exeter 2m 7f beg chs (3) gf in Oct beating Niche Market (11-4) by 22l, 7 ran.
Mokujin (FR) 9-4fav (11-5) Tracked leaders, ridden 4f out, soon weakened, 8th of 14, 23l behind Leading Authority (11-5) at Exeter 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Jan '06.
Niche Market (IRE) 17-2 (11-4) Mid-division, ridden 13th, stayed on to go 2nd 2 out, mistake last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 22l behind Willyanwoody (11-4) at Exeter 2m 7f beg chs (3) gf in Oct.
Opera de Coeur (FR) 15-2 (10-8) Held up towards rear, headway after 4 out, weakened after 3 out, 14th of 21, 47l behind Albertas Run (10-4) at Aintree 3m lst hcp hdl (1) gd in Apr.
Sizing Australia (IRE) 9-4fav (11-10) Always prominent, jumped left at times, disputed lead from 5 out, dropped to 4th before straight, challenged and every chance run-in, just failed, 2nd of 13, hd behind Luxi River (11-12) at Thurles 2m 6f beg chs gd in Oct.
The Real Deal (IRE) 9-2 (11-3) Held up in rear, shaken up after 10th, driven along 12th, blundered 13th, went moderate 5th before last, 5th of 10, 34l behind Here's Johnny (10-12) at Uttoxeter 3m beg chs (4) gd.
