chased leaders, 8th halfway, ridden and no extra before straight
chased leaders early, mid-division halfway, weakened before straight
towards rear for most, never a factor
chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden and weakened 4f out
chased leader, 2nd halfway, weakened over 4f out, completely tailed off
mid-division, ridden in 9th entering straight, no impression and kept on one pace
always towards rear, completely tailed off
rear of mid-division, 12th 6f out, headway into 3rd entering straight, ridden in 2nd 2f out, 3rd 1f out, stayed on to challenge inside final furlong, led last 100 yards, kept on well under pressure
mid-division, ridden and no extra entering straight
chased leaders, 5th halfway, ridden 4f out, no extra entering straight
held up towards rear, some late headway straight, never a factor
led, ridden and headed 3 1/2f out, no extra and weakened
rear of mid-division, headway into 5th entering straight, ridden in 4th and no impression 2f out, kept on one pace
chased leaders, 6th halfway, ridden in 7th entering straight, soon no extra
chased leaders, 9th halfway, ridden in 8th entering straight, no impression in 5th 2f out, kept on one pace
mid-division, headway in 5th 4f out, led entering straight, ridden 1 1/2f out, challenged inside final furlong, headed final 100 yards and no extra
held up towards rear, good headway in 6th entering straight, ridden in 3rd 2f out, 2nd 1f out, kept on final furlong, pressed winner closing stages
keen hold and chased leader, 3rd halfway, improved to lead 3 1/2f out, ridden and headed entering straight, soon no extra and weakened
held up towards rear, some headway in moderate 10th 2f out, kept on one pace
Virginia Ash, an easy winner at Kempton before well down the field in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham is the pick of those with experience as Arlberg Express was beaten a long way when runner-up on his debut. Patrick Mullins rides Andiamos for his father with Katie Walsh on board the stable's Sizing Tennessee and it's the latter who appears to have a pedigree more suited to bumpers. Mullins' other entries, Patanne and Wicklow Gold, must also be considered and the former is bred to have enough pace for this and is by no means a forlorn hope. Sizing Machine cost 160,000 euros and is related to a host of good jumpers but Nicky Henderson wouldn't be sending the 105,000 euros purchase SNAKE EYES without good reason and, as she is out of a winning bumper, she can make a winning start to her career.
Andiamos (IRE) Beneficial gelding out of Iron Mariner.
Arlberg Express (IRE) 20-1 (12-0) Held up in 7th, headway into 3rd under 3f out, ridden and no impression over 2f out, stayed on into moderate 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 23l behind Lord Of Lords (11-9) at Navan 2m N H flat in Mar.
Aughrim Article (IRE) 10-1 (11-7) Alw rr, sn detd, cto & pu 3out, in a race won by Ballybough Pat (11-7) at Dromahane 3m ire ptp hvy in Dec, 13 ran.
Captain Lob (IRE) Luso gelding out of Jemima Jay.
Soteira (IRE) Definite Article gelding out of Solerina.
Virginia Ash (IRE) 50-1 (10-11) Mid-division, lost place over 4f out, soon behind, 17th of 20, 33l behind Champagne Fever (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m N H flat G1 (1) gd in Mar.
Gaye Article (IRE) Definite Article mare out of Gaye Melody.
Clondaw Kaempfer (IRE) 5-4 (11-7) Ww in tch, rdn & outpcd aftr 3out, rdn & sow aftr 2out, ko, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Adamstown (10-11) at Maralin 3m ire ptp sft in Mar.
Flaming Charmer (IRE) 7-2 (10-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 9, 19l behind Starving Marvin (10-7) at Warwick 2m mdn nhf (6) gs in Jan.
Grand Partner (IRE) Millenary gelding out of Bens Partner.
Mick The Smith (IRE) Flemensfirth gelding out of Jeruflo.
On The Shannon (IRE) Presenting gelding out of The Last Bank.
Patanne (IRE) Golan gelding out of Best Wait.
Sizing Machine (IRE) King's Theatre gelding out of Sno-cat Lady.
Sizing Tennessee (IRE) Robin Des Champs gelding out of Jolivia.
Snake Eyes (IRE) Oscar gelding out of Be My Belle.
The Liquidator Overbury gelding out of Alikat.
Thunder And Roses (IRE) 2-1 (11-7) Ch ldr, 2nd 1/2way, ld 2out, sn hdd, ko under pressure, 2nd of 11, 3l behind The Nephew (11-7) at Oldtown 2m ire ptp sft in Mar.
Wicklow Gold (FR) Robin Des Champs gelding out of Gamine D'ici.
