disputed lead to 3rd, dropped rear 6th, lost touch 15th
held up in touch, pushed along 15th, ridden and weakened 17th
in touch, headway to chase leaders 8th, mistake 11th, every chance 2 out and last, kept on
made most, ridden 2 out, held on well towards finish
prominent, disputed 5th to 2 out, no extra approaching last
In this five-runner affair, World Vision is selected ahead of Old Noddy. Your A Gassman would have a chance on his 2004 form but his recent efforts have lacked zip. World Vision comes here on the back of two solid efforts and, given that his mark looks fair enough, looks to be a leading player. Forever Eyesofblue has also been running with credit and is another to be fairly weighted in the context of this contest, while Old Noddy stepped up markedly on his three previous runs under Rules to win at Carlisle last time and, despite having been raised ten pounds for that win, remains relatively unexposed and has to be considered. Finally, Innisfree could not be given a strong chance which, in turn, returns us to the selection, World Vision.
Your A Gassman (IRE) 14-1 (10-5) Mid-division, struggling 12th, tailed off when pulled up in race won by Bellaney Jewel (9-11) at Kelso 4m hcp chs 0-135 (3) hvy in Mar, 11 ran.
World Vision (IRE) 5-2 (11-3) Prominent, chased winner and hit 4 out, no impression, 2nd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Corrib Lad (11-10) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Jan.
Forever Eyesofblue 7-4fav (11-9) Behind, headway and in touch 10th, rallied when hit 4 out, went 2nd 2 out, ridden and edged right last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Lothian Rising (11-9) at Carlisle 3m hts chs (6) gd.
Old Noddy (IRE) 16-1 (10-3) In touch, led 5th, made rest, blundered 4 out, not fluent next, ridden 2 out, kept on well, won at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd beating Primitive Way (9-7) by 4l, 17 ran.
Innisfree (IRE) 15-2 (10-2) Held up, chased leader 7th, led approaching 17th, ridden and headed and mistake last, tired run-in, 2nd of 10, 10l behind Fleetfoot Mac (10-0) at Hexham 4m hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Mar.