tracked leader, left in lead after 1st, made rest, ridden 2 out, ran on
led, slipped on landing and fell 1st
chased winner after 1st, hung right behind winner from 3 out, ridden 2 out, soon no impression
keen, held up, went third at 3rd, slipped on bend approaching 2 out, driven and mistake 2 out, soon weakened
held up, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
PRESS THE BUTTON has translated his solid form on the flat to hurdles and this exciting prospect is taken to see off Cootehill. Jim Boyle's gelding is two from two over the jumps after comprehensive wins at Huntingdon. That track is not dissimilar to here and he is fancied to make the most of the 2lbs that he gets from Cootehill. The last-named is already a Listed winner, taking a Market Rasen contest back in July. His penalty for that win is not too excessive, but although he was eased slightly last time when beaten, it was still a disappointing performance. Australia Day is a classy individual and has been holding his form well on the flat this year. He romped to victory at Worcester in September and looks a major player. Calaficial may lack the class, Aather doesn't look to see out his races especially well, whilst Classical Rhythm has plenty to find on stablemate Press The Button on their Huntingdon clash earlier this month. A race that has thrown up some decent horses in the past, and the vote today is given to Press The Button.
Cootehill (IRE) 4-1fav (11-0) Held up mid-division, hampered 5th, weakened approaching 2 out, 11th of 17, 22l behind Treaty Flyer (10-3) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd in Sep.
Australia Day (IRE) 4-6fav (11-0) Raced keenly, made all, clear 3rd, jumped right 5th, unchallenged, won at Worcester 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Sep beating Fred Kennet (11-0) by 34l, 10 ran.
Press The Button (GER) 1-3fav (11-5) Mid-division, headway 4 out, soon chasing leaders, led 2 out, ran on well, won at Huntingdon 2m nh nov hdl (4) gf beating William Hogarth (10-9) by 7l, 11 ran.
Aather (IRE) 4-1 (10-9) Led, soon well clear, hit 2nd, mistake 3rd, not fluent 4th, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 12, 1 3/4l behind Seventh Cavalry (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m nh nov hdl (4) gf.
Classical Rhythm (IRE) 40-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, under pressure after 3 out, soon weakened, 8th of 11, 29l behind Press The Button (11-5) at Huntingdon 2m nh nov hdl (4) gf.
Calaficial (IRE) 12-1 (11-2) Pulled hard, led, went clear approaching 3rd, headed 2 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 11, 18l behind Get Me Out Of Here (10-12) at Worcester 2m nov hdl (4) gs.
