mid-division, not fluent 11th, mistake 13th, ridden home turn, well held from 4 out
mid-division early, pressed leader before 3rd, led narrowly 8th, headed narrowly after 13th, pushed along and outpaced by leader after 5 out, kept on and rallied to challenge leader before 2 out, every chance last, ridden run-in, always held
chased leaders, pushed along and weakened 4 out
towards rear, in touch, pulled up after 6th
prominent, not fluent 4th, pushed along in 3rd 4 out, ridden and stayed on but no impression from 2 out
led, headed narrowly 8th, led again narrowly after 13th, pushed along and forged on after 5 out, ridden and faced challenge 2 out, stayed on well, always just doing enough
in rear, fell 1st
handy, pushed along and lost ground home turn, weakened 4 out
in rear early, mid-division 3rd, pushed along home turn, ridden and no progress 3 out
NonRunner
Some interesting novice chasers clash, with the weights headed by the unbeaten IRON BRIDGE, who's already landed a bumper, hurdle and chase in a mere four starts. This rates the toughest test yet of his credentials but he's looked impressive to date and the step-up in trip may well bring about further improvement. Young Buck is on the comeback trail for Paul Nicholls after 651 days off and it's interesting that the champion trainer returns him in such a competitive affair. Could Talkaboutit is another interesting chasing recruit on his reappearance and Bells Of Peterborough has gone well the last twice and brings chasing experience to the table. Manothepeople is highly respected seeking a four-timer off what remains a decent mark and Reilly also looks nicely enough weighted to prove a player.
Iron Bridge (IRE) 7-2fav (11-2) Towards rear, headway after 5 out, went 5th 3 out and pushed along, ridden and chased leader after 2 out, led last, stayed on strongly to draw clear run-in, won going away, won at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Oct beating Harper's Brook (11-4) by 8 1/2l, 11 ran.
Coeur Serein (IRE) 11-2 (11-9) Not always fluent, prominent, mistake 7th and 4 out, losing place when blundered 3 out, pulled up before 2 out, at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (2) gd in Oct.
Young Buck (IRE) 5-1 (10-12) Pestered leader, led 4 out, travelled well approaching 3 out where mistake and unseated rider, at Haydock 3m (1) sft in Feb.
Could Talkaboutit (IRE) 4-1 (11-6) Chased leaders in 3rd, ridden and went 2nd turning in, stayed on under pressure run-in, led towards finish, won at Wincanton 2m 4f mdn (4) gs in Mar beating Amenon (11-6) by nk, 11 ran.
Bells Of Peterboro (IRE) 6-1 (11-10) Prominent, not fluent 4th, headway when ridden 4 out, chased winner from 2 out, no extra run in, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Tea For Free (12-0) at Uttoxeter 3m 2f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Manothepeople (IRE) 5-2jfav (11-10) Jumped well, tracked leader, led 15th, great jump 5 out, in no danger after, kept up to work after the last, eased towards finish, won at Chepstow 3m 2f hcp (4) gd in Oct beating Aeronisi (10-13) by 2 3/4l, 6 ran.
The Street (IRE) 4-1 (12-0) Held up, fell 1st, at Hereford 3m 1f hcp (4) gs in Nov.
Reilly (IRE) 5-2fav (11-2) Held up in rear, not much room 9th, headway 13th, not fluent 3 out, challenged 2 out, led last, edged left and headed flat, no impression towards finish, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Guetapan Collonges (11-7) at Warwick 3m 1f hcp (4) gs in Nov.
Mormon (IRE) 9-2 (12-0) Prominent and disputed lead early, slight mistake 4th, 2nd halfway, lost place after 6 out, left 4th and slightly hampered after 4 out, ridden and no impression entering straight, no extra before last, 4th of 8, 18 1/2l behind Stratum (12-0) at Thurles 3m 1f gd in Dec.
Young Bull (IRE) 5-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, left in lead 4th, jumped right 10th, headed 2 out, no extra flat, 4th of 7, 7l behind Saint Palais (11-12) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp (2) sft in Mar.
