tracked leader to before 3 out, driven and outpaced next, ridden and regained 2nd after 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, no chance with winner
tracked leader, went 2nd before 3 out, led and going after next, drew clear on bit flat, very easily
held up 5th and last, driven and outpaced 2 out, soon weakened, no chance when stumbled and unseated rider last
held up in 4th, lost place 3 out, outpaced next, stayed on under pressure to go moderate 3rd after last, no chance with leaders
raced keenly and led, headed after 2 out, soon outpaced, lost moderate 3rd after last
Tim Vaughan saddles Paddy Partridge, a winner at Uttoxeter last July and runner-up on his reappearance at Newcastle last month, as well as Flat and bumper winner Deejan. But they are likely to struggle to get the better of RED MERLIN, who put a couple of disappointing efforts behind him when getting off the mark over timber at Doncaster earlier this month. Donald McCain's six-year-old has the potential to be a lot better than this grade. Behtarini was a maiden on the Flat in Ireland but ran against some very smart performers on occasion and it would be no surprise if he made his mark over hurdles.
Paddy Partridge 5-1 (11-9) Tracked leader, led before 3 out, hard pressed from 2 out, not fluent when under pressure last, headed final 100 yards, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 8, 3l behind Bollin Felix (11-2) at Newcastle 2m nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb.
Red Merlin (IRE) 6-1 (10-7) Held up mid-division on outer, chased leaders after 4 out, led before 2 out, not fluent last, edged right and held on well towards finish, won at Doncaster 2m 4yo nov stks (4) gd beating Kaolak (11-1) by 1 1/4l, 12 ran.
Cityar (FR) 66-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, jumped right 1st, mistake 3rd, well beaten well fell 3 out, in a race won by Colleoni (11-0) at Ludlow 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Nov, 15 ran.
Behtarini (IRE) 15-8 (9-5) Tracked leaders, 5th on outer halfway, pushed along in 4th 3f out, no extra from over 1f out, 4th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Quest For Gold (9-0) at Wexford 1m 4f mdn stks gf in Aug (flat).
Deejan (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Led, headed 4f out, soon ridden and one pace, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 12, 18l behind Mizzurka (11-4) at Sandown 2m mrs N H flat lst (1) gs in Mar '10.
