tracked leader, led going well last, not extended
led, ridden and headed last, stayed on same pace, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, took keen hold, not fluent 3rd, ridden and weakened approaching last
took keen hold, tracked leaders, clipped 1st, stumbled and unseated rider
held up, pushed along after 4th, ridden and weakened after next, tailed off
Donald McCain saddles three of the five entries and this looks a penalty-kick for CINDERS AND ASHES, runner-up to the exciting Broadbackbob on his hurdling debut at Ascot before easily landing an Aintree maiden. Stablemate Great Boss started favourite for a Towcester bumper on his racecourse debut but his pedigree suggests jumping will be his game and he can do better in time though Kent Street, who made most and battled on gamely to beat Eurohunter at Newcastle, looks the one for the runners-up spot.
Cinders And Ashes 6-5fav (11-7) In touch in mid-division, headway 3rd, challenged after 3 out, led next, drew clear final 200 yards, ran on well, won at Aintree 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) sft beating Keys (11-7) by 9l, 9 ran.
Kent Street (IRE) 9-1 (10-12) Led, headed briefly before 3rd, ridden and headed last, rallied to regain lead towards finish, won at Newcastle 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Nov beating Eurohunter (10-12) by 1l, 15 ran.
Great Boss (IRE) 7-2fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, disputing 2nd and ridden over 2f out, no impression final furlong, 5th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Ace Fighter Pilot (11-0) at Towcester 2m NH flat (6) gd in Nov.
Karrical 33-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, weakened before 4 out, 7th of 12, well behind Super Duty (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
Solway Brook (IRE) 28-1 (10-2) Held up behind in touch, struggling 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 7th of 8, well behind Kings Canyon (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy.
