held up and keen, soon in touch, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, one pace from over 1f out
in touch, keen, lost place 6f out
held up, headway 6f out, weakened over 4f out
led, headed after 1 furlong, stayed prominent, weakened over 3f out
always handy, led over 3f out, soon clear
keen, soon mid-division, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 3f out
prominent, led halfway, ridden when headed over 3f out, soon held by winner
mid-division, steady headway 6f out, ridden and one pace final 2f
led after 1f, headed halfway, weakened 4f out
mid-division, ridden and weakened over 4f out
towards rear, headway halfway, weakened 5f out
towards rear, headway halfway, weakened over 4f out
Unless the betting indicates to the contrary, the obvious contenders are The Jazz Musician, Mahonia, Bakbenscher and Dais Return; siding with the latter may provide a little more in the way of value. Mahonia returned a beaten favourite in a point at Dromahane but showed enough in finishing second to take the eye of his new connections; he's sure to be fancied. The Jazz Musician has run two decent races over course and distance and should be in the firing line again despite a lengthy absence whilst Bakbenscher beat a gambled on horse very easily at Uttoxeter and his cause will be aided by Gerard Tumelty's claim. Lunar Rock is worth a second look as he's a half-brother to Nudge And Nurdle and his stable is in good form. Dais Return is also well related being a half-brother to numerous winners including the smart Paddy's Return. His yard knows the time of day in bumpers and this one made a really good debut when fifth behind Mad Max at Newbury. He looks set to run a big race today and Dais Return gets the nod.
Bakbenscher 3-1 (11-2) In touch, headway to lead 2f out, driven clear entering final furlong, won at Uttoxeter 2m mdn nhf (6) sft in Dec beating First Boy (11-2) by 6l, 11 ran.
Another Winnie 100-1 (10-11) Steadied start, took keen hold, soon in touch, lost place after 5f, no danger after, 4th of 12, 35l behind Definite Edge (11-1) at Hereford 2m 1f mdn nhf (6) sft in Jan.
A Perfect Gent (IRE) Exit To Nowhere gelding, half-brother to winning bumper Blackthorn Boy.
Harrywho Fumo Di Londra horse out of a lightly-raced mare.
Lunar Rock (IRE) Rock Hopper gelding, half-brother to several winning jumpers.
Mahonia (IRE) (11-7) Mistakes, no chance when left 2nd run-in, 2nd of 6, 10l behind Plaisir D'Estruval (11-7) at Dromahane 3m ire ptp gf in May.
Matako (FR) 11-1 (11-4) Took keen hold, led and soon clear, headed over 2f out, soon beaten, 6th of 17, 20l behind Shalone (10-4) at Wincanton 2m nhf (5) gs in Jan.
The Jazz Musician (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, every chance 3f out, one pace final furlong, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Mutual Respect (11-0) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) sft in Dec '06.
Aeronglas Overbury mare out of winning hurdler/chaser Delilah Blue.
Bobbie's Quest (IRE) 66-1 (10-11) Held up, behind from halfway, tailed off, 7th of 8, well behind Lodge Lane (11-6) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) hvy in Jan '07.
Flow Gently Along (IRE) Norwich mare, half-sister to several winning jumpers.
Dais Return (IRE) 33-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 14, 12l behind Mad Max (11-4) at Newbury 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
How Are You Going (IRE) Rashar gelding out of an unraced mare.
Lucky Jimmy Kayf Tara colt out of 1m2f winner Swift Maiden.
Tiny Dynamo Riverwise gelding out of winning hurdler Faith Again.
