tracked leader, driven 4out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up 2 out
held up in mid-division, not fluent 4 out, chased leaders next, soon ridden and weakened, behind when pulled up before 2 out
held up towards rear, headway 4th, soon chasing leaders, driven to challenge approaching 2out, soon one pace
tracked leaders, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, just headed when fell last
held up in touch, lost place 4 out
led, not fluent 4th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, hampered last, no extra
pulled hard in rear, mistakes 4th and 3 out, soon ridden, never on terms
held up in rear, smooth headway approaching 2 out, led on bit last, ran on strongly, impressive (no time taken)
SALDEN LICHT and Grey Soldier are the two that make most appeal although we'll be keeping a close eye on Ghimaar. The last named is having his first run over hurdles but had a three figure rating on the level and has the requisite big race entries; he'd clearly be of interest if there was confidence behind him. Grey Soldier was a Listed winner in France and has impressed over hurdles, finishing second to Rite Of Passage before getting off the mark on his third outing. He's been held back for the Irish spring Festivals rather than head to Cheltenham and his form marks him down as a live contender. Salden Licht ran out an impressive winner on debut at Newbury and the second has helped to give the form a solid look whilst his narrow win at Plumpton now looks much better than it did at the time. He was reported to have needed that run after the cold snap and can show his true colours. Vino Griego has more to offer and should have a say in the outcome whilst Cheshire Prince, Escort'men and Frascati Park aren't forlorn hopes but preference is for Salden Licht.
Dr Livingstone (IRE) 10-3 (11-10) Mid-division, switched left and headway approaching 3 out, went 3rd after 2 out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 15, 12l behind Dan Breen (11-3) at Doncaster 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs.
Grey Soldier (IRE) 4-7fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, 6th 3 out, headway into 3rd next, short of room briefly approaching last, 2nd and challenged on inner early run-in, soon led, driven out to assert, comfortably, won at Naas 2m mdn hdl hvy beating Monastrell (11-12) by 2 1/2l, 25 ran.
Salden Licht 10-11fav (11-10) Tracked leaders, challenged 2 out, upsides last, driven out to lead towards finish, won at Plumpton 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan beating Sarando (11-4) by nk, 13 ran.
Vino Griego (FR) 4-5fav (11-1) Chased leaders, led approaching 2 out, soon clear, ridden and wandered before last, in command when edged left flat, eased towards finish, won at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan beating Recif De Thaix (11-4) by 11l, 14 ran.
Ashammar (FR) 16-1 (11-2) Took keen hold, held up, in touch, pushed along and one pace from 2 out, 4th of 12, 13l behind Bellvano (11-12) at Newbury 2m nh nov hdl (3) gs.
Cool Touch (IRE) 9-1 (11-4) Took keen hold, close up, headway to lead before 5th, ridden after 2 out, headed last, stayed on same pace flat, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Bothy (10-13) at Taunton 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Frascati Park (IRE) Evensfav (11-12) Keen hold in lead, slight mistake 2nd, ridden and headed 3 out, no extra in 4th entering straight, moderate 3rd approaching last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 18, 9l behind Stonemaster (11-10) at Punchestown 2m mdn hdl hvy in Jan.
Ghimaar 7-1 (9-10) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, ridden and no extra over 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 8, 11l behind Von Jawlensky (9-2) at Listowel 1m 4f cond Stakes in Sep (flat).
Escort'men (FR) 9-4 (10-4) Held up towards rear when badly hampered and brought down 1st, in a race won by Bothy (10-13) at Taunton 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan, 12 ran.
Cheshire Prince 17-2 (10-5) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 7th, every chance 2 out, weakened flat, 8th of 18, 10l behind Sir Harry Ormesher (11-5) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp hdl (2) gs.
