tracked leader, led 9th, headed 13th, weakened before 3 out
led, not fluent 4th, hit 6th, headed 9th, remained prominent, jumped slowly next, weakened 3 out
in touch, lost place 6th, behind when pulled up before 13th
behind when refused 14th
in touch, pressed leader 10th, hit next, led 13th, headed next, led again 4 out, stayed on
held up, jumped slowly 4th, behind when pulled up 9th
tracked leader, lost place 10th, soon behind, pulled up after 13th
held up, headway 13th, ridden to lead next, soon clear, slipped and headed 15th, kept on same pace
Thedublinpublican, Be The Tops and Log On Intersky are among three of the more likelier winners and our vote is for Thedublinpublican. Well backed ahead of his previous outing, Chris Bealby's charge was an easy winner at Wetherby and on that evidence, a 10lb rise does not appear to be unduly harsh. Be The Tops was pulled up at Uttoxeter on what conditions described as unsuitable ground. With fast ground forecast, there should be few concerns today although the form book does present us with plenty of questions for consideration. Log On Intersky has had his training troubles and was sold cheaply from the Howard Johnson yard. If he can get into a fluent rhythm early doors, he is not totally out of this race but the former 130+ chaser has dropped accordingly in the weights after a series of modest efforts. Kausse De Thaix has proved difficult to place after a profitable spell during last Winter. He would not mind a drop of rain to aid his performance but will doubtless run his usual race. Lord Dundaniel is proven on the surface and has obvious claims if stepping up. With McCoy claimed elsewhere, James Davies is set to ride and first time visor replaces blinkers. Pirandello plugged on behind Party Games in his latest start but that was a very poor race and much more is needed here. Thedublinpublican looks to be on an upward curve and it would be folly to desert him here.
Thedublinpublican (IRE) 7-2 (10-9) Made all, ridden clear approaching last, won at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf beating Marsh Run (11-9) by 5l, 9 ran.
Lord Dundaniel (IRE) 3-1 (11-1) Led to 13th, soon outpaced, weakening when mistake last, 3rd of 6, 20l behind Nayodabayo (11-12) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Apr.
Be The Tops (IRE) 16-1 (11-9) Led, headed and hit 2nd, hampered 6th, lost place 8th, tailed off when pulled up at the 13th in race won by Elvis Returns (11-3) at Uttoxeter 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs, 15 ran.
Pirandello (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Held up, headway 10th, every chance after 3 out, ridden 2 out, no extra, 2nd of 5, 4l behind Party Games (11-4) at Huntingdon 3m nov chs (4) gf in Apr.
Kausse de Thaix (FR) 13-2 (10-13) Held up, headway 12th, ridden and effort after 4 out, weakened next, 6th of 9, 12l behind Elenas River (11-4) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd.
The Holy Bee (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, led 10th to 13, led approach 2 out, soon ridden, 4 lengths up and in command when blundered and unseated ride last unseated rider 2 out in race won by Calcot Flyer (11-1) at Huntingdon 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd, 10 ran.
Herecomestanley 13-2 (10-9) Held up, headway to chase leading pair 14th, outpaced from 3 out, 3rd of 7, 17l behind Floreana (10-0) at Plumpton 3m 2f beg chs (4) gf.
Stack The Pack (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (11-7) Tracked leaders, effort approaching 4 out, soon weakened, 4th of 8, 30l behind Wild Oats (10-10) at Exeter 2m 7f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Mar.
