mid-division, driven and headway 3 out, soon chasing leaders, ran on to lead approaching last, stayed on well
always towards rear, weakening when mistake 2 out
pulled hard in mid-division, headway 5th, soon chasing leaders, effort when not fluent 2 out, weakened last
behind, some late headway, never a factor
led, soon clear, under pressure when headed approaching 3 out, soon lost place
behind, headway 5th, every chance approaching last, soon hung left, faded flat
mid-division, headway 3 out, weakened next
tracked leaders, led approaching 3 out, headed before last, no extra
tracked leaders, driven to challenge approaching 2 out, kept on same pace approaching last
always behind, struggling halfway, unseated rider last
Presenting Ace has been quite highly tried so far, including when fourth to Montbazon at Newbury last Friday. He should find this easier but The Weatherman probably needs to up his game again following his victory at Sedgefield and bumper winners Abbey Garth and Special Catch may need the experience of jumping hurdles at speed today. OSCAR NOMINEE was last of three behind Cinders And Ashes in a Grade 2 at Haydock last month but was beaten less than three lengths and his easy win at Southwell came on better ground. Nicky Henderson's five-year-old should get back to winning ways here, though Victor Leudorum will be one to note when tackling handicaps.
Oscar Nominee (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Held up 3rd and last, not fluent 5th, pushed along 4 out, outpaced next, 8 lengths down when blundered last, ridden and stayed on flat, just held for 2nd near finish, last of 3, 2 3/4l behind Cinders And Ashes (11-8) at Haydock 2m nov hdl G2 (1) hvy in Jan.
The Weatherman (IRE) 11-8fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, led 2 out, pushed clear from last, comfortably, won at Sedgefield 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs in Dec beating Kealigolane (10-12) by 6l, 12 ran.
Abbey Garth (IRE) 2-1fav (11-5) Tracked leaders, smooth headway over 3f out, challenged going well 2f out, shaken up 1f out, ridden and stayed on to lead narrowly inside final furlong, held on, won at Musselburgh 2m NH flat (6) gd in Jan beating George Fernbeck (10-2) by nk, 7 ran.
Bob's Legend (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Took keen hold in rear, mistake 5th, never on terms, 6th of 10, well behind Jimbill (11-0) at Fakenham 2m NH mdn hdl (5) gd in Dec.
Foxinthecots 6-1 (12-0) Nvr gng wl; to when blun bad & ur 15, in a race won by Dancing Jack (12-0) at North Carlton 3m ptp gf in Jan, 8 ran.
Presenting Ace (IRE) 66-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, not fluent 5th, 6th and no impression approaching 3 out, not fluent and hampered 2 out, took 4th close home, never dangerous, 4th of 9, 22l behind Montbazon (11-8) at Newbury 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs.
Shan Blue (IRE) 9-2 (11-1) Led and soon clear, reduced lead 5th, looked in trouble when fell 2 out, in a race won by Ballybriggan (11-8) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd in Mar, 6 ran.
Special Catch (IRE) 3-1fav (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway on outer before halfway, challenged over 3f out, led over 2f out, kept on well, won at Catterick 2m NH flat (6) sft in Dec beating Sparville (10-13) by 1 3/4l, 15 ran.
Victor Leudorum (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Chased leader, pushed right 3 out, chased winner approaching 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 10, 15l behind Montbazon (11-4) at Plumpton 2m mdn hdl (5) gs in Jan.
Midnight Return (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) Pressed leader, driven over 3f out, lost place over 2f out, no impression final 2f, 6th of 11, 13l behind Ginger Fizz (11-4) at Southwell 2m mrs NH flat (4-7yo) (6) gs in Jan.
Wordy's Boy 50-1 (11-6) Tracked leader and keen, weakened before 2 out, 9th of 14, 22l behind Gores Island (11-7) at Doncaster 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Jan.
