tracked leaders, ridden after last, kept on
tracked leaders, pushed along and mistake 5th, soon weakened
led, pushed along before last, ridden run-in, soon headed, kept on and no chance with winner
tracked leaders, pushed along before 2 out, weakened before last
in rear, headway before 2 out, in 4th when mistake last, weakened run-in
held up in touch, went 2nd before 3 out, going well when not fluent last, led on bit run-in, hard held
After winning his first three starts last season, Local Hero was set some stiff tasks in the spring. He probably has a bit to find at the weights today and Marsh Warbler makes more appeal having run well in decent company so far this season. But this looks a good opportunity for SIMONSIG to recapture the winning thread having found only Fingal Bay too strong in a Grade 2 novice event on his latest outing. Nicky Henderson's gelding won a bumper over this shorter trip at Fairyhouse less than a year ago so shouldn't be inconvenienced. Knockara Beau probably needs further, however, and handicappers Little Hercules and Orsippus may struggle at the weights.
Local Hero (GER) 14-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, not fluent 3rd, ridden after 6th, weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off, 5th of 9, well behind Zarkandar (11-0) at Aintree 2m 4yo hdl Grade 1 (1) gs in Apr.
Marsh Warbler 11-4 (11-8) Led, ridden when hard pressed after 3 out, narrow advantage when mistake last, headed final 110 yards, no extra, 3rd of 4, 2 3/4l behind Celestial Halo (11-12) at Haydock 2m hdl G2 (1) hvy in Jan.
Knockara Beau (IRE) 22-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, mistake 14th, lost place when hit 5 out, soon ridden, 6th 2 out, rallied flat, went 3rd towards finish, no chance with leading pair, 3rd of 9, 13l behind Midnight Chase (11-6) at Cheltenham 3m 1f chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Jan.
Little Hercules (IRE) 85-40fav (11-7) In rear, headway before 6th to chase leaders, weakened before 3 out, 4th of 6, 48l behind Teenage Idol (10-13) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Jan.
Orsippus (USA) 12-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, chased leader after 3 out, led before next, headed between last 2, ridden and kept on same pace flat, no extra when lost 2 places towards finish, 4th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Hildisvini (11-3) at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gs in Jan.
Simonsig 7-2 (11-7) Held up in touch towards rear, headway 6th, not fluent next, went close 2nd going well 2 out, shaken up approaching last, ridden flat, no impression on winner, stayed on, 2nd of 7, 2 3/4l behind Fingal Bay (11-7) at Sandown 2m 4f nov hdl G2 (1) gs in Dec.
