chased leaders, disputing 2nd from 13th, ridden to challenge when not fluent last, led flat, driven out
led, jumped right 3rd, joined when not fluent last, headed flat, held towards finish
not always fluent and went right at times, chased leaders, lost a bit of ground 6th, went 3rd from 4 out, unable to get on terms
chased leader until before 4 out, weakened after next
Big River is seeking a sixth victory on his favourite track and a step back up in trip is definitely in his favour. Empire Steel is 2-2 around here and was very impressive over 2m6f last month, though would have preferred more give in the ground. The latter comment also applies to Rath An Iuir but conditions won’t faze POTTERMAN, who is back on the same mark as when controversially awarded the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown just under a year ago and goes well fresh.
Potterman 12-1 (11-9) Midfield, jumped slowly 2nd, niggled along before 8th, weakened after 3 out, pulled up before next, at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp (2) sft in Dec.
Empire Steel (IRE) 7-2 (11-6) Tracked leaders, not fluent 6th, hit next, challenged going well 4 out, led next, clear between last two, easily, won at Kelso 2m 6f hcp (2) hvy in Feb beating Clan Legend (11-1) by 16l, 6 ran.
Big River (IRE) 13-2 (11-0) Off the pace in last trio, behind at 5th, headway out wide chasing leaders before 2 out, plugged on, 4th of 7, 12 1/2l behind Nuts Well (11-6) at Kelso 2m 7f lst (1) sft in Mar.
Rath An Iuir (IRE) 9-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, ridden and outpaced after 22nd, no extra before 2 out, 6th of 16, 22l behind Win My Wings (11-0) at Newcastle 4m 1f hcp (2) gs in Feb.
