led to 3 out, ridden before 2 out, weakened before last
held up behind, headway before 2 out, chased winner after last, kept on
tracked leaders, ridden after last, kept on
tracked leader, led 3 out, ridden after last, kept on well towards finish
held up mid-division, weakened from 4 out, soon pulled up
held up mid-division, headway before 3 out, ridden and blundered last, soon weakened
always behind, tailed off 4 out
held up towards rear, ridden before 2 out, weakened before last
Ephraim undoubtedly came up against a couple of very smart novices when third on his hurdling debut at Ascot. He won a Group 3 on the Flat so is no slouch and it's surely only a matter of time before he gets his head in front over timber. But there will be plenty of interest here in BUGSIE MALONE, who moved to the Nicholls yard after justifying favouritism in a point at Bratton Down in May and could be a nice prospect. Atlantic Gold is back in novice company but has a double penalty and is starting to look a little exposed. Viaduct Jack should be suited by the step up to 3m and he looks the pick of the remainder.
Atlantic Gold (IRE) 10-1 (11-1) Led until 3rd, led 7th, headed before 9th, weakened last, 12th of 16, 20 1/4l behind Rons Dream (10-11) at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp lst (1) gs in Nov.
Ami Desbois (FR) 25-1 (11-0) Held up mid-division, headway over 4f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 14, 21 3/4l behind Penn Lane (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m (6) hvy in Nov.
Bugsie Malone (IRE) Evensfav (11-7) Gd prog 4 out; lft in ld last; all out, won at Bratton Down 3m mdn gd in May beating The Mystro (12-0) by nk, 16 ran.
Ephraim 14-1 (10-12) Held up, headway into 4th after 3 out, went 3rd approaching last, no chance with leading duo, 3rd of 9, 16 3/4l behind American (10-12) at Ascot 2m 6f (2) gs in Nov.
Flora Aurora 50-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, tailed off over 6f out, 13th of 14, dist behind Pengo's Boy (11-2) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn (5) gs in Nov.
High Hopper (IRE) 3-1 (11-2) With leader, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 10, 25 1/4l behind Captain Bocelli (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f (6) gd in May.
Mr Elevator (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, led until headed after 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out, at Southwell 2m (4) sft in Nov.
Viaduct Jack (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, mistake 7th, weakened 4 out, 7th of 11, dist behind Always Lion (11-0) at Ludlow 2m 5f (3) gs in Nov.
