held up in 4th, went 3rd 8f out, ridden over 4f out, weakened 3f out
made all, ridden and hard pressed 3f out, stayed on well, edged left at path entering fianal furlong, in command after
slowly into stride, raced in rear, pushed along 6f out, weakened 4f out
pressed winner, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace and held final furlong
tracked leaders, pushed along 6f out, weakened over 4f out
There will undoubtedly be more to come from Even If, who ran green when making a winning debut at Bangor. Alan Berry's claim here is a plus but we prefer HELLORBOSTON, who may just be more the finished article at this stage of his career. Donald McCain's ex-pointer galloped his rivals silly on his debut under Rules at Sedgefield and will take some pegging back here. Wild Card hinted at ability last season but hasn't run for more than a year while newcomers Ballygrooby Bertie and Arwen are probably best watched today.
Even If 7-2fav (10-13) Held up towards rear, closer order 10f out, smooth headway to 2nd 3f out, led 2f out, clear when green and edged left over 1f out, won at Bangor 2m 1f NH flat (6) hvy in Dec beating Monksgold (11-2) by 2l, 10 ran.
Hellorboston (IRE) 10-11fav (11-1) Made all, clear over 1f out, kept on strongly, won at Sedgefield 2m 1f NH flat (6) hvy in Dec beating The Bold Lord (11-4) by 14l, 9 ran.
Ballygrooby Bertie (IRE) King's Theatre gelding out of Vigna Maggio.
Wild Card 12-1 (11-5) Held up in last, took keen hold, headway on outside 5f out, weakened 2f out, 4th of 7, 29l behind New Year's Eve (10-2) at Ludlow 2m NH flat (6) gs in Jan '12.
Arwen Silver Patriarch mare out of Sally Smith.
