in rear, chased leading pair from 5th, ridden after 2 out, one pace and no impression
with winner, led 12th, ridden and clear before last, weakened and headed towards finish
led to 12th, chased leader, pushed along before 15th, kept on from last, lead towards finish, driven out
tracked leaders in 3rd, not jump well, reminders after 3rd, tailed off from 10th
PILGRIMS LANE didn't do badly on his return to action when fourth to the much-improved Bedarra Boy in a decent Ascot handicap last time. That should have done him the world of good and he can concede weight all round. Expect to see him throughout the spring and summer months as he handles this ground well and is versatile regarding trip. Frankie Anson is the threat if reproducing the level displayed when runner-up to Mostly Bob at Doncaster but things haven't gone his way since. He'll go close if regaining confidence in this small field. Monsieur Jourdain has time on his side but is unproven over this trip and yet to break his duck over fences.
Pilgrims Lane (IRE) 25-1 (11-9) Held up last trio on inside, mistake 3rd, ridden after 10th, headway to dispute 4th 3 out, went modest 3rd approaching last, outpaced to 4th close home, 4th of 8, 26l behind Bedarra Boy (10-11) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd.
Frankie Anson (IRE) 10-1 (10-0) Chased leading trio, went 3rd and hit 15th, weakened 17th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Triggerman (10-10) at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-150 (2) gd, 7 ran.
Monsieur Jourdain (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Held up mid-division, headway to chase leaders before 4 out, weakened before 3 out, 5th of 7, 22l behind Allanard (10-13) at Newcastle 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs.
Appeal Denied (IRE) 28-1 (9-7) Towards rear, hit 4th, reminders approaching 7th, some headway on inner approaching 9th, blundered 13th, pulled up before 6 out, in a race won by Festival King (11-1) at Ayr 2m 5f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Jan, 12 ran.
