disputed lead until chased leader after 6th, every chance before last, kept on same pace
disputed lead until led 6th, headed before 10th, lost place 3 out
chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, no danger after
chased leaders, outpaced 6th, led before 10th, strongly challenged last, kept on under pressure
chased leaders, every chance 3 out, weakened after next, modest 3rd
Penny Mallow, a winner on this card 12 months ago, surrendered her unbeaten record over hurdles at Carlisle but was conceding 12lb to the winner and was only beaten a neck. Premier D'Troice won at Punchestown in October when last seen but is having a first run for new connections. Nifty At Fifty finally won at Wincanton in December but remains a quirky individual who finds little off the bridle. DUNDRUM WOOD is certain to appreciate this further step up in trip having got off the mark when making all at Market Rasen in November and Fergus Gregory’s claim is a plus.
Dundrum Wood (IRE) 7-4 (10-12) Made most, reminders after 3 out, driven and 6 lengths advantage when left clear next, in no danger after, pushed out, won at Market Rasen 2m 3f (4) sft in Nov beating Levasseur (10-12) by 14l, 5 ran.
Penny Mallow (FR) 8-11fav (11-12) Jumped left, led, not fluent 3 out, headed after 2 out, held towards finish, stayed on, 2nd of 7, nk behind Lily's Gem (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 3f (4) sft in Feb.
Nifty At Fifty (IRE) 2-1fav (10-13) Held up in touch, hanging badly left from 6th, lost place before next and hanging to outside of course, ran out 3 out, at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Premier D'troice (FR) 7-2fav (11-7) Tracked leaders, disputed lead from 6th, led from 8th, ridden and strongly pressed entering straight, clear at last, edged left under pressure inside final furlong, stayed on well close home, won at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp Good - Yielding in Oct beating Burlesque Queen (10-13) by 3 3/4l, 15 ran.
Woulduadamandeveit (IRE) 7-1 (10-9) Held up in rear, jumped left at times, some progress from 2 out, no impression, 5th of 12, 12 1/4l behind Flinck (11-7) at Warwick 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Nov.