tracked winner, lost place 4 out, soon beaten
made all, mostly jumped well, 3 lengths clear when blundered and reduced advantage 5 out, pushed clear again 3 out, ridden out final 110 yards
tracked leaders, outpaced 5 out, weakened and behind 3 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd 3 out, driven approaching last, kept on, well held in clear 2nd flat
held up behind in touch, pushed along 8th, headway under pressure next, ridden to chase winner 4 out to next, soon no chance with front pair
Nonrunner
EMPIRE LEVANT is part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and had the distinction of running Rock On Ruby to six lengths over hurdles at Newbury last season. If he can translate that form to the larger obstacles, Paul Nicholls' six-year-old should win this despite returning from a short break. Ballybriggan hasn't really impressed in a couple of races over fences so far but Lets Get Serious won over the course and distance in November, though was a little disappointing when only fourth at Musselburgh subsequently. Speed Steed won over hurdles last season and on the Polytrack in January but is probably best watched on his debut over fences.
Lets Get Serious (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Prominent, mistake 10th, chased leader 12th until approaching 4 out, no impression from next, 4th of 7, 13l behind Bocciani (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp chs 0-140 (3) sft in Jan.
Empire Levant (USA) 9-4fav (11-5) In touch, hit 4 out, outpaced before next, 6th and beaten when stumbled and unseated rider soon after last, in a race won by Cape Express (10-12) at Aintree 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gd in Oct, 14 ran.
Silas Mariner (IRE) 11-1 (11-11) Mid-division, not fluent 5th, some progress after, lost place next, well beaten after 3 out, badly hampered last, 9th of 13, well behind Vinetta (10-6) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Feb.
Speed Steed (IRE) 3-1 (11-5) Led, not fluent 5th, pressed 3 out, headed before last, soon weakened, 6th of 8, 34l behind Well Sharp (10-7) at Wetherby 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd in May.
The Society Man (IRE) 12-1 (9-13) Held up in rear, not fluent 8th, headway on outside 10th, never on terms, no impression before 2 out, 5th of 9, 27l behind Mr Puck (11-8) at Southwell 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Feb.
Ballybriggan (IRE) 15-8 (11-0) Tracked winner until 2nd, ridden and one pace from last, 3rd of 4, 12l behind Kealigolane (11-0) at Carlisle 2m nov chs (3) hvy in Feb.
