in rear, stayed on on long run before last, kept on from last, almost snatched 3rd
chased leader, led approaching 4th, ridden and headed on long run to last, tried to rally as winner idled after last, hung left no extra and well held final 120 yards
took keen hold towards rear, struggling 3 out, no chance when awkward on landing 2 out and pulled up
behind, pushed along and struggling after 3rd, tailed off and pulled up before next
chased leading trio, went 3rd before 3 out, stayed on same pace from next
chased leading pair until dropped to 4th before 3 out, slightly outpaced next, rallied on inside on long run to last, led soon after, idled and driven after last, stayed on to assert final 140 yards
awkward 2nd, always off the pace in 6th, struggling 3 out, tailed off
led, headed approaching 4th, chased leader until weakened on long run to last
always off the pace in 5th, never on terms, tailed off
Another contest with the big battalions appearing to dominate yet again. FOURTH ESTATE is unbeaten in bumper company but there is inevitably some concern that he hasn't been seen since scoring rather cosily at Ayr last April. He revealed plenty of potential in his two bumper successes and hopefully will be straight enough to get the job done here despite his lay-off. Opening Batsman also takes to timber for the first time after showing promise in bumpers too and seems sure to give a good account. Avoca Prince, I Know The Code and Fairy Rath are others to have indicated they have a future over hurdles on the back of pleasing bumper efforts, with the latter, an Irish import for Nick Gifford, looking the most interesting of that trio.
African Eagle (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders and keen, blundered 5 out, weakened before next, pulled up before last, in a race won by Tarbeck (10-12) at Hereford 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec, 13 ran.
Avoca Promise (IRE) 2-1 (11-1) Chased leaders in 4th, chased leading pair before 5th, chased winner next, hit 3 out, ridden and well held well before last, 2nd of 7, 12l behind Super Directa (11-1) at Folkestone 2m 1f mdn hdl (5) sft in Mar.
Cavite Gamma (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) Chased leaders to over 3f out, soon weakened, 8th of 15, 34l behind Kaysersberg (10-11) at Doncaster 2m NH flat (6) gs in Dec.
Chartplan (IRE) 15-2 (10-9) With leader until 5f out, soon weakened, tailed off, 7th of 8, well behind Tony Dinozzo (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f NH flat (6) gf in Jun.
Fairy Rath (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, ridden entering straight, 4th 1 1/2f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 8, 13l behind Moscow Mannon (11-7) at Fairyhouse 2m N H flat sft in Dec.
Fourth Estate (IRE) 5-4fav (11-9) In touch in mid-division, closed 7f out, went 2nd 2f out, led going well over 1f out, not extended, easily, won at Ayr 2m NH flat (4) gd in Apr beating Toubeera (11-5) by 3/4l, 16 ran.
I Know The Code (IRE) 25-1 (11-4) Mid-division, weakened over 5f out, 8th of 12, 34l behind Theatre Guide (10-12) at Chepstow 2m NH flat (6) gs in Apr.
Opening Batsman (IRE) 5-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 4f out until edged left 2f out, no extra well inside final furlong, 3rd of 19, 7l behind Be All Man (11-2) at Warwick 2m NH flat (6) gd in Dec.
Sutton Who (FR) Dark Moondancer gelding out of Magik.
