keen, tracked leader, ridden to lead 2 out, hit last, stayed on well
prominent, pushed along approaching 2 out, kept on same pace
towards rear, ridden 3 out, never on terms
towards rear, pushed along 3 out, never dangerous
raced keenly, led, mistake 4th, shaken up and headed 2 out, kept on for second
not fluent on occasions, always towards rear, ridden and slow jump 5th, tailed off when pulled up
towards rear, pushed along 5th, never near leaders
held up towards rear, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out
Despite pulling hard and running in snatches, FORTESCUE WOOD made a winning start over hurdles at Ayr when running for the first time in 18 months. He beat Ahoy Senior in a bumper in his younger days and clearly has ability. Carcaci Castle won a maiden over course and distance earlier this month so can’t be ignored while Traprain Law seems sure to make his presence felt given he escapes a penalty for winning a conditionals’ handicap over track and trip recently.
Carcaci Castle (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) Midfield, headway before 2 out, pushed along to challenge approaching last, soon led, stayed on run-in, won at Kelso 2m mdn (4) gs in Dec beating Jem In Em (11-4) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
Fortescue Wood (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Pulled hard behind slow pace, allowed to stride on from 3rd and soon clear, reduced lead home turn, ridden and stayed on gamely run-in, won at Ayr 2m (4) sft in Nov beating Gege Ville (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Cowboy Cooper (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, driven after 2 out, never on terms, 6th of 10, dist behind You Wear It Well (10-13) at Hexham 2m (4) sft in Nov.
Gie It Laldy 40-1 (11-0) Prominent, pushed along over 2f out, weakened from over 1f out, 5th of 12, 10 3/4l behind Kingston Bridge (11-0) at Kelso 2m (4) gs in Nov.
Traprain Law (FR) 13-2 (11-11) Made all, not fluent last, stayed on strongly run-in, won at Kelso 2m hcp (4) sft in Dec beating Rewired (12-2) by 8 1/2l, 8 ran.
Izzy Bell 200-1 (10-1) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 11, 17 1/4l behind Ruby Island (10-11) at Hexham 2m mdn (5) gs in Mar.
Pipers Cross (IRE) 11-1 (11-4) Close up, ridden over 2f out and weakened, 6th of 7, 11 1/4l behind Come On Du Berlais (10-8) at Kelso 2m (3) gf in May.
Syltezar (IRE) 22-1 (11-0) Close-up, led over 4f out, pushed along and headed 3f out, gradually weakened, 5th of 12, 16 1/4l behind Nifty Getaway (11-0) at Ayr 2m (3) hvy in Feb.
Breizh River (FR) 11-1 (11-2) Mid-division, ridden and weakened over 3f out, tailed off, 9th of 10, dist behind Resplendent Grey (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mdn (5) gs in Dec.
