made all, drew clear approaching last
chased leaders until outpaced from 4 out
held up in touch, headway to chase winner 12th, effort between final 2, no extra flat
in touch, outpaced from 5 out
towards rear, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up before 12th
towards rear, mistake 2nd, tailed off from halfway
held up in rear, struggling from halfway
in touch to 5th, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 12th
Ice Tea gets the nod ahead of Lord Rosskit and Ballyvoge. Donald McCain's progressive stayer has enjoyed success over hurdles and also over timber and he should run well now facing easier company than at Cheltenham last time. He loves quick ground and with the customary blinkers on once again, he is capable of giving weight away to all of his rivals. Ballyvoge must be of interest; Nicky Richards' gelding has shown plenty of ability in three hurdles runs last year and he should run well on his chasing debut, especially as he is unlikely to want for fitness after his absence. Lord Rosskit has claims as he has shown plenty of ability so far, especially in two starts over fences. However he is yet to fully prove that he wants this trip and accordingly is passed over. At a price, Like A Lord, who was well-fancied last time out, could go well, however it is Ice Tea who receives the nomination.
Ice Tea (IRE) 11-4 (11-8) Not fluent, tracked leader, mistake 12th and 15th, outpaced when blundered 3 out, stayed on approachingh last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 17l behind Joe Lively (11-5) at Cheltenham 3m nov chs (2) gd in Oct.
Lord Rosskit (IRE) 15-2 (11-6) Prominent, led 14th, hard pressed from 2 out, headed flat, kept on, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Itsmyboy (11-6) at Hexham 3m 1f nov chs (4) gf in May.
Ballyvoge (IRE) 10-11fav (11-7) Tracked leader, driven to lead approaching 2 out, headed between last 2, soon ridden and no impression, 2nd of 10, 4l behind That's Rhythm (11-1) at Sedgefield 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gf in Mar.
Like A Lord (IRE) 2-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, in touch when fell at the 11th in race won by Ellerslie George (11-4) at Wetherby 3m 1f beg chs (5) gf in Oct, 5 ran.
Minster Lake 20-1 (11-12) In tch til wknd aft 3 out, 4th of 16, 21l behind Beau de Turgeon (12-5) at Alnwick 2m 4f ptp gd in Jan.
Musical Chord (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Held up, weakened approaching 4 out and pulled up in race won by Mr Preacher Man (11-0) at Carlisle 3m 1f mdn hdl (5) gd in Oct, 13 ran.
Toulouse Express (IRE) 8-1 (10-10) Tracked leaders, weakened quickly approaching 4 out, 11th of 13, 31l behind Top Dressing (11-8) at Carlisle 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
Fairfield 50-1 (10-6) Prominent until outpaced approaching 3 out, 3rd of 7, 37l behind The Saltire Tiger (10-13) at Hexham 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gf in May.
