tracked leader and keen, led over 4f out, ridden and headed 3f out, one pace
tracked leaders throughout, led 3f out, headed over 2f out, all out to lead again close home
in touch, ridden to lead over 2f out, all out and headed close home
led, headed over 4f out, soon weakened and eased
mid-division, lost place 7f out, weakened 4f out
mid-division, steady headway 5f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
held up towards rear, steady headway 5f out, ridden to chased leaders 4f out, weakened over 2f out
towards rear, ridden and some progress 5f out, soon held
held up mid-division and keen, effort 5f out, soon weakened
in touch and keen, ridden and weakened 5f out, tailed off
mid-division, ridden 7f out, kept on, not reached leaders
tracked leaders, chased leaders 5f out, weakened over 3f out
towards rear, ridden 7f out, headway to chase leaders 4f out, kept on under pressure
held up in rear, headway 5f out, ridden to chased leaders over 2f out, ran on well final furlong, just held
Crashtown Hall was very impressive last time out and can carry a penalty to victory this afternoon, Gun Smith and Pass Wood could provide most danger. The winning margin of the selection was nothing special when beating Hilly Gale at Huntingdon, but it was the manor of the success. He was pulling for his head all the way round and when let down he pricked his ears and ran on well. It suggests that a stronger pace will suit and there should be plenty of improvement to come. Gun Smith is Jonjo O'Neill's representative, a well bred son of Pistolet Bleu. He will no doubt be ready to run , but the market will be the best guide to his chances. The same applies to the Henry Daly trained Pass Wood, who is a well bred half-brother of the smart Wonder Wood. The betting will of course give plenty of clues here, but Crashtown Hall already has the form in the book and he gets our vote.
Crashtown Hall (IRE) 11-4 (10-7) Keen, tracked leader, led after 3f, joined 3f out, ridden and ran on final furlong, won at Huntingdon 2m nhf (6) gs in Dec beating Hilly Gale (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Gun Smith Pistolet Bleu gelding, half-brother to 1m4f and hurdles winner Polly Anthus.
High Carol (IRE) Presenting gelding, half-brother to Irish hurdles winner Austocon.
M'Boyo 50-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway 5f out, weakened over 3f out, 14th of 19, well behind Freddie The Third (10-7) at Warwick 2m nhf (6) hvy.
Madiran (IRE) Beneficial gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Space Mission (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Held up, headway over 6f out, chased leaders over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 10, 6l behind Johnny Bissett (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (6) gs in Dec.
Butterfly Rose Tragic Role mare, half-sister to winning chaser Black Collar.
Haoyunma (IRE) Old Vic mare, half-sister to winning chaser Monty's Quest.
Queen of The Bees (IRE) Bob Back mare out of winning stayer Queen of Bakla.
Sherman's Neese (IRE) Presenting mare, half-sister to winning hurdler Terrappio.
Crossguard (USA) Royal Anthem gelding out of 1m-1m4f winner Foible.
Merchant Red (USA) Red Ransom gelding, brother to useful middle-distance winner Slew The Red, half-brother to numerous winners up to 1m6f.
Norfolk Jive (USA) Atticus gelding, half-brother to winning miler Kristina & winning jumper Keen To The Last.
Pass Wood (FR) Sevres Rose gelding, half-brother to 1m6f winner Wonder Wood.
Ushnu (USA) 20-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, ridden, outpaced 6f out, rallied, kept on final 2f, 4th of 10, 16l behind Stripe Me Blue (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f mdn nhf (5) hvy.
Marsh Court Overbury filly out of a lightly-raced mare.
