mistakes and chased leaders, beaten from 14th
held up in touch, ridden 4 out, outpaced from 2 out
in touch until outpaced from 3 out
held up in touch, effort after 12th, weakened from 14th
led until headed 3 out, led again approaching last, driven clear flat
Nonrunner
Although he did not live up to his pre-race billing at Bangor a few days ago FATHER MURTAGH is given another chance here, while Garden Feature looks to be the main danger. The selection had apparently been giving some good signs in his work prior to that recent run, but scuppered his chances that day with some novicey jumping. He had previously been smart in Ireland a few years ago, acts on decent ground, and with that recent experience now history we will take him to get it right. Garden Feature is a little longer in the tooth but has plenty of decent form in context and also has her optimum conditions and trip. A repeat of her recent Carlisle run would give her a big say today. There was nothing wrong with the performance of Hasper at Hexham last time, though at today¿s weights this looks plenty tough enough for a follow-up bid. Ellandshe is blinkered for the first time here and has enough ability to take a hand if the headgear has the desired effect, but preference is for Father Murtagh.
Hasper 11-1 (11-7) Always prominent, led before last, ridden and kept on flat, won at Hexham 3m 1f hts chs (6) gf in Apr beating Yann's (11-11) by 1 3/4l, 7 ran.
Ellandshe (IRE) 5-2 (12-0) Hdwy app 12; wknd 14; pu last, in a race won by Muller (12-0) at Balcormo Mains 3m ptp in Apr, 10 ran.
Father Murtagh (IRE) 16-1 (11-9) Behind, chased leaders 15th, one pace from 2 out, 4th of 13, 16l behind Worship The Stars (11-7) at Bangor 3m nov hts chs (6) gd.
Elusive Swallow 3-1 (11-12) Held up; went poor 2nd 13; too much to do, 2nd of 10, 5l behind Texas Ranger (12-5) at Hornby Castle 3m ptp in Apr.
Garden Feature 9-1 (10-12) Mid-division, outpaced 12th, headway to chase leader 3 out, kept on, never troubled winner, 2nd of 10, 17l behind Hartburn (10-12) at Carlisle 3m hts chs (6) gd in Apr.
Senora Moss 5-2 (11-12) A bhnd; to & pu 2 out, in a race won by Gunner Royal (12-5) at Corbridge 3m ptp in Apr, 12 ran.
Ben Nelly (IRE) 9-1 (11-7) Towards rear, hampered and unseated rider 15th, in a race won by Eliza Doalott (11-2) at Hexham 3m 1f hts chs (5) gd, 10 ran.