tracked leaders, lost place 3rd, pulled up after next
took keen hold, made all, not fluent 3 out or 2 out, driven flat, just held on
held up in rear, jumped right, left 4th from 4th, outpaced after 4 out, mistake 3 out, no impression when hit 2 out
mid-division, headway 3rd, front pair clear from 5th, closed after 3 out, went 2nd flat, stayed on, just held
in rear, mistake 2nd, well behind from 4th, pulled up before 3 out
mid-division, not fluent 1st, outpaced from 4th, mistake and behind from 6th
tracked winner, not fluent 2nd, every chance when not fluent last, no impression on winner and lost 2nd flat, stayed on same pace
chased leaders on inside, not fluent 1st, fell 3rd
Marracudja was a decent novice hurdler last season and promises to be just as good over fences judged on his wide-margin win at Newton Abbot, though he was keen enough that day and will need to settle better to get home around here. Ridestan only beat Neverushacon a nose at Gowran at the start of the month and the runner-up is 3lb better off. Both should beat Gambling Girl again but it's interesting that James Ewart has sent prolific hurdler Aristo Du Plessis here for his fencing bow given he could presumably have found him a much easier introduction in the north. Presenting Arms is getting a bit long in the tooth but BARON ALCO is only five so still has time on his side. Gary Moore certainly knows how to ready his novice chasers and his gelding goes well fresh. He is rated 140 over hurdles, having won three times last season and finished second in Grade 3, and is one to follow, especially when tackling further.
Ridestan (IRE) 9-2 (11-1) Soon raced in 5th, closed from 5 out, chased leader from next, travelling smoothly straight, led before 2 out and asserted until strongly pressed and joined run-in, kept on well, just prevailed at line, won at Gowran Park 2m (1) Yielding in Oct beating Neverushacon (11-1) by ns, 8 ran.
Marracudja (FR) 11-8 (11-0) Raced freely, made all, jumped soundly, clear from 7th, unchallenged, won at Newton Abbot 2m (4) gd in Sep beating Ballybolley (11-6) by 9l, 3 ran.
Neverushacon (IRE) 8-1 (11-1) Towards rear, went moderate 4th approaching straight, chased leader and jumped slightly right and bumped rival last, challenged and on terms run-in, kept on well, just denied at line, 2nd of 8, shd behind Ridestan (11-1) at Gowran Park 2m (1) Yielding in Oct.
Presenting Arms (IRE) 11-1 (11-5) Held up, in rear, headway from 10th, went 2nd after 2 out, pressing winner flat, no impression towards finish, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Vintage Vinnie (10-9) at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp lst (1) gd in Sep.
Gambling Girl (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Soon raced in 3rd, pecked 2nd, slight mistakes 4th and 5th, 4th and slight mistake 4 out, soon no extra, 7th of 8, dist behind Ridestan (11-1) at Gowran Park 2m (1) Yielding in Oct.
Aristo Du Plessis (FR) 7-2fav (11-12) Led, clear 1st until 4th, headed 3 out, led again 2 out, soon headed, shied away from rival jockeys whip before last, weakened flat, 6th of 11, 15l behind Shrewd (10-0) at Musselburgh 2m hcp lst (1) sft in Feb.
Baron Alco (FR) 16-1 (10-8) Led 1st, ridden and headed approaching last, gradually weakened flat, 12th of 26, 6 1/4l behind Diamond King (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (1) gd in Mar.
Pinkie Brown (FR) 6-4fav (10-4) Led to 3rd, left in lead 4th, blundered 3 out, clear before last, won at Towcester 2m (4) gf in Oct beating Closest Friend (11-0) by 8l, 5 ran.
