not fluent, led to 4th, losing touch with winner from 7th, lost 2nd approaching 4 out
tracked leader until led 4th, clear from 7th, only 5 lengths ahead but going easily 3 out, soon drew clear again, unchallenged
pulled hard, held up, nose band broke after 1st, pulled up after 2nd
behind, stumbled 7th, chased winner approaching 4 out, under pressure but only 5 lengths adrift 3 out, soon no chance with easy winner
Chief Yeoman is impossible to oppose here with Castleshane and Monkstown Road rating the main dangers. The selection was a fair second in a much better race behind Always Waining last time and he need only run up to that mark to win this with plenty in hand. Castleshane rates the main danger on his best hurdles form but he has failed to progress as expected over fences of late so can not be put forward with any confidence. Monkstown Road and Overfields would be much better off with the principals if this were a handicap and are readily opposed and for the winner we return to Chief Yeoman who will be tough to beat if he can put in a clear round.
Castleshane (IRE) 20-1 (10-13) Tracked leader, every chance 3 out, soon ridden and weakened, 10th of 11, 29l behind Pilca (10-7) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Nov.
Chief Yeoman 1-2fav (11-5) In touch, 2nd after 4th, left in lead next, headed after 2 out, one pace, 2nd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Always Waining (11-5) at Taunton 2m 3f beg chs (4) sft in Jan.
Overfields 150-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 4 out, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Bob Bites Back (11-6) at Ludlow 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) gs in Jan, 12 ran.
Monkstown Road 100-1 (10-5) Prominent, mistake 3rd, lost place approaching 5th, no chance from 6th, 13th of 15, 38l behind Dishdasha (10-9) at Stratford 2m ldy hcp hdl (4) gd in Oct.
