tracked leaders in 3rd, going well and every chance 2 out, ridden before last, kept on and held towards finish
led, mistake 4th, ridden and pressed before last, edged left and kept on gamely run-in
in touch, pushed along and weakened before 3 out
tracked leader, blundered 4 out, every chance 2 out, ridden and weakened last
towards rear, pushed along 5th, soon weakened and in rear, pulled up before 3 out
in rear, headway before 4 out to chase leaders, ridden before last, kept on same pace
How tremendous to see two of the prime contenders for the Albert Bartlett at the Festival taking each other on now. Up For Review has looked very good in landing his two starts over timber, both on heavy ground, after finishing third behind Yorkhill in a Punchestown bumper last April. He's clearly very useful indeed but many will have made a commitment to follow BARTERS HILL (NAP) until beaten after watching him land his second start and this is no time to desert Ben Pauling's stable star, winner of all six starts. He frequently seems to hit a flat spot in his races but has proved tremendously tough and resilient as he's worked his way through the grades. The step-up to 3m should suit and he's taken to repel the Irish challenge. The remainder will all take prize money home if completing with Minella Charmer taken to fill the minor placing.
Ballydine (IRE) 2-1fav (11-3) Tracked leaders, mistake 3rd, not fluent 4 out, soon ridden and outpaced, challenged on inside next, almost upsides when mistake 2 out, 1 length down last, stayed on to lead flat, held on, won at Newcastle 2m 6f (2) sft in Nov beating Jonniesofa (11-3) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Barters Hill (IRE) 4-11fav (11-7) Made all, hung right paddock bend, driven 3 out, ridden after next, 3 lengths advantage and in command last, drew well clear flat, comfortably, won at Newbury 2m 5f (1) sft in Dec beating Politologue (11-7) by 12l, 3 ran.
Minella Charmer (IRE) 4-5fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, headway to lead before last (usual 2 out), soon clear, comfortably (final flight omitted on all circuits), won at Plumpton 2m 5f (3) hvy in Jan beating Dark Flame (11-2) by 15l, 6 ran.
Up For Review (IRE) 4-5fav (11-3) Made all, travelled well throughout, extended advantage after 2 out, stayed on strongly run-in, not extended, impressive, won at Punchestown 3m hvy in Dec beating Jetstream Jack (11-3) by 13l, 6 ran.
Ephraim 9-4 (10-12) Tracked leader, led 3 out, ridden after last, kept on well towards finish, won at Doncaster 3m (4) sft in Dec beating Ami Desbois (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Ami Desbois (FR) 2-1fav (11-6) Held up mid-division, headway after 4 out, ridden to challenge before last, kept on and held towards finish, 2nd of 8, 3l behind Chase End Charlie (11-6) at Doncaster 2m 4f mdn (5) sft in Jan.
