handy, led 3 out, shaken up and 2 lengths ahead approaching 2 out, faced challenge last, ridden and headed narrowly 110 yards out on run-in, kept on, no extra close home
led, jumped right and hit 2nd, headed 3 out and pushed along, kept on 2 lengths behind 2 out, rallied approaching last, ridden and stayed on gamely to regain lead narrowly final 110 yards on run-in
chased leaders, not fluent 4th, bad mistake and blundered 8th, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
in rear on outside in touch, reminders after 5th, pushed along 7th, lost touch next
in rear, in touch, went close 4th after 8th, not fluent 4 out, chased front pair 3 out, soon pushed along and outpaced after 2 out, hit last
Merveillo won a Listed race on the Flat when trained in France and stayed 2m on the level. He could be a cut above these if taking to hurdles but a lack of experience may catch him out today. The step up to 3m is going to suit both Inis Oirr, placed at Hexham, and Kelso third NO BUT I WILL with the latter getting the nod today. Mr Vango has also won between the flags so can’t be ignored but Powder Trick is probably facing a stiff task.
Inis Oirr (IRE) 18-1 (11-4) Close up, ridden and headway approaching last, stayed on one pace, 3rd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Paddy The Horse (11-4) at Hexham 2m 4f mdn (4) gs in Oct.
Mr Vango (IRE) 7-2 (12-0) Stdy hdwy 7; led 11-14; led app 3 out; stayed on wl, won at Horseheath 3m mdn gs in Feb beating Santos Blue (11-7) by 25l, 12 ran.
No But I Will 6-1 (11-0) Midfield, pushed along after 3 out, kept on one pace run-in, 3rd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Salvino (11-0) at Kelso 2m 7f (4) gs in Nov.
Powder Trick (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, fell 7th, at Worcester 2m 7f mdn (4) gd in Oct.
Merveillo 25-1 (9-5) Held up in rear, driven along and headway over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, 6th of 12, 2 1/4l behind Valley Forge (9-0) at Haydock 2m hcp (2) gd in May.
