not fluent on occasions, chased rival pair, reminders after 5 out, headway into 2nd before next, switched inside before 3 out, soon readily outpaced by winner, no chance after
jumped well, made all, drew readily clear after 3 out, unchallenged after, easily
tracked winner to before 4 out, soon outpaced, no chance with clear pair from next
Clondaw Castle is the one with chasing experience and has already won a point, a bumper and two hurdle races. His recent second at Ludlow was a fair effort but he was rated lower over hurdles than BURBANK. The latter is having a first outing since April but fitness is rarely an issue for one from his yard and he is sure to have had plenty of schooling. The Captain has also had wind surgery since last seen but would be a surprise winner.
Burbank (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Held up, ridden 8th, weakened before 2 out (normal 3 out), 9th of 12, 34 1/2l behind Moon Racer (10-11) at Ayr 2m 5f hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Clondaw Castle (IRE) 6-4fav (11-8) Set slow gallop, jumped left 7th, ridden and headed flat, not pace of winner, 2nd of 4, 2 1/4l behind Le Precieux (10-8) at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gs in Jan.
The Captain (IRE) 20-1 (11-12) Keen, tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 2 out, tailed off, 8th of 9, dist behind Bisoubisou (10-2) at Fakenham 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Dec.