held up in touch, took keen hold, ridden over 2f out, one pace and no impression
held up mid-division, outpaced over 3f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up towards rear and in touch, lost place over 6f out, outpaced over 3f out, kept on from over 1f out
made all, clear over 1f out, stayed on strongly
tracked leaders, with winner halfway, ridden over 2f out, kept on and no impression
in rear, headway and ran wide over 4f out, soon chased leaders, weakened over 2f out
Grove Silver finished third in an Irish point-to-point before a convincing victory on his bumper debut for Jennie Candlish at Newcastle. That was on heavy ground and he has a penalty to carry but it will be a surprise if he doesn't make the frame without conceding lumps of weight to PALERMO DON. Donald McCain's four-year-old made his debut in what looked a hot Newbury bumper in January where he gave notice that there was much more to come. Varene De Vauzelle was placed in a couple of minor bumpers in France before a moderate debut for new connections at Musselburgh so one of the newcomers looks more of a threat with Pied Du Roi, a half-brother to the useful bumper and hurdles winner Katie T, fitting the bill.
Grove Silver (IRE) 12-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, headway before 6 out, led over 2f out, clear over 1f out, ran on well, won at Newcastle 2m NH flat (6) hvy in Feb beating One For Arthur (11-3) by 5l, 9 ran.
Red Hott Robbie 100-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous, 7th of 9, 12l behind Destiny's Gold (10-8) at Huntingdon 2m NH flat (6) gs.
Varene De Vauzelle (FR) 3-1 (11-2) With winner 5f, tracked leaders, challenged over 4f out, no chance with winner 2f out, lost 2nd over 1f out, 3rd of 7, 17l behind Wilcos Mo Chara (11-2) at Musselburgh 2m mdn NH flat (5) gd in Nov.
Crinkle Crags (IRE) Trans Island gelding out of Ashanti Dancer.
Palermo Don 11-4 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway on inside 4f out, went 3rd 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f, 3rd of 10, 10l behind Pitter Patter (10-7) at Newbury 1m 4f 4yo nhf (5) sft in Jan.
Pied Du Roi (IRE) Robin Des Pres gelding out of Long Acre.
The Lady Maggi (FR) Robin Des Champs filly out of Miss Poutine.
