held up in rear, never a factor
led, mistake when headed 5 out, rallied 3 out, jumped right next, weakened before last
tracked leader, led 5 out, driven clear 3 out, headed after next, rallied last, stayed on under pressure to lead again last strides
tracked leaders, effort when blundered 3 out, weakened quickly
mid-division, mistake 1st, ridden and headway before 3 out, under pressure next, faded last
pulled hard in mid-division, weakened before 3 out
pulled hard, held up towards rear, mistake 2nd, weakened before 3 out
held up in rear, smooth headway approaching 3 out, led after 2 out, strongly challenged after last, headed close home
mid-division, lost place 5 out, never dangerous
Fortunate George looks a likely sort now tackling hurdles and upped in trip but winning pointer Rock On Oscar has a bit to prove having finished well beaten over track and trip on his hurdles bow in February. MOUNTAIN EAGLE has also won between the flags and clearly found 2m too short when fourth in a bumper at Chepstow last month. That will have blown away any cobwebs and Harry Fry's charge probably has more scope under Rules than Ballinure, beaten when favourite in a lower grade at Huntingdon last month. Dueling Banjos looks best of the rest.
Auckland De Re (FR) 16-1 (11-1) Led, took keen hold, headed before 2 out, no extra approaching last, 5th of 7, 24 1/4l behind Southfield Vic (11-13) at Wincanton 2m 6f (4) gd in Mar.
Ballinure (IRE) 2-1fav (11-10) Prominent, led 2 out, driven and bumped flat, headed and carried left, held towards finish, 2nd of 13, 1/2l behind Great Hall (11-10) at Huntingdon 2m mdn (5) gd in Oct.
Dueling Banjos 7-1 (11-11) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on and no impression on winner, 2nd of 14, 7l behind Welsh Shadow (11-4) at Wetherby 2m (6) gd in Mar.
Fin D'espere (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Soon led until hung left on bend and headed 9f out, chased leaders, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and one pace final 2f, 5th of 8, 12 1/4l behind Braavos (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f (6) gd in Oct.
Fortunate George (IRE) 7-2 (11-11) Tracked leaders, went 2nd on inside over 4f out until over 3f out, ridden and struggling 3f out, no chance with leading duo, 3rd of 6, 22l behind Definite Outcome (11-4) at Uttoxeter 2m (5) sft in Mar.
Mirkat 25-1 (11-0) In touch, lost place 4th, pushed along and struggling before 3 out, 7th of 10, dist behind Different Gravey (11-0) at Newbury 2m mdn (3) sft in Nov.
Mountain Eagle (IRE) 7-2fav (11-0) Led, headed over 6f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on, 4th of 8, 7 1/4l behind Above Board (11-0) at Chepstow 2m (6) gd in Oct.
Rock On Oscar (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Raced keenly, in touch, driven to chase leaders before 2 out, soon no impression, weakened last, 6th of 12, 26 1/2l behind Minella Rocco (11-4) at Kempton 2m 5f (4) sft in Feb.
Whispering Speed (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) In touch, under pressure 6th, soon weakened, 5th of 7, dist behind Work In Progress (10-12) at Kempton 2m 5f (4) gd in Oct.
