tracked leader, outpaced approaching 3 out, rallied and chased winner approaching last, kept on
tracked leaders in 3rd, in rear from 5th, soon struggling
led, hit 10th, headed approaching 2 out, soon weakened
held up in rear, chased leading pair from 5th, went 2nd from 12th, led approaching 2 out, soon clear, ridden out
We might just have the four runners turning up for this handicap chase but it does look a tight call, however, given that AMERICAN WORLD won this last year Brendan Powell's gelding gets the call ahead of Ice Bucket with Pairc Na Gcapall looking best of the other pair. Although 7lbs higher here than when taking this race last term the selection has run well off similar marks to his current one in recent starts. He'll enjoy these conditions and he does receive weight from all of his rivals. Ice Bucket looks dangerous at the weights after some near misses under weightier burdens. He remains 5lbs above his last winning burden but in this field he looks a real live contender. Pairc Na Gcapall is back to the rating he last carried to victory and as a twice winner here he has to be considered while Sunday City has a bit to prove but is racing off a career low mark. A small field where a case can be made for all but American World can take this race two years on the trot.
Pairc Na Gcapall (IRE) 8-1 (11-6) With leader until 5th, tracked leaders, ridden and kept on one pace from 3 out, 4th of 5, 14l behind Bormo (11-12) at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Mar.
Ice Bucket (IRE) 10-1 (11-10) Mid-division, weakened approaching 4out, soon beaten, 4th of 8, well behind Back Exit (11-4) at Kempton 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd.
Sunday City (JPN) 20-1 (11-4) Led, hit 5th, headed before 2 out, faded before next, 8th of 10, 44l behind Tribe (11-8) at Bangor 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd.
American World (FR) 3-1 (11-12) Always in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 5 out, in a race won by Prince Des Marais (11-4) at Chepstow 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd, 6 ran.
