just worse than mid-division, niggled along and gradual headway from 3 out, went 3rd before 2 out, ran on after last, up for 2nd towards finish
towards rear, ridden and brief headway from 3 out, kept on at one pace from 2 out
in touch with leaders, lost position at halfway, pushed along before 3 out, gradually weakened from 2 out
led, pushed along and headed before 3 out, soon outpaced and lost further ground, weakened before 2 out
tracked leaders, pushed along to lead 3 out, extended advantage on approach to 2 out, ran on after last, easily
in rear, pushed along at halfway, outpaced before 4 out, cajoled along and brief headway before 3 out, never in serious contention
prominent, pushed along and lost position before 4 out, weakened gradually down the field, pulled up before 2 out
in touch with leaders, ridden for effort and went 2nd before 2 out, weakened after last, lost place towards finish
BALLYHOME is a standing dish here and goes well fresh. He handles hurdles and fences with equal aplomb so a switch back to the smaller obstacles is not a problem. He does have another career-high mark to overcome but his yard has started this season as it ended the last. Teescomponents Lad could rediscover his best form back over a longer trip as he had the in-form Regarding Ruth behind here in November and is now 4lb better off. Glinger Flame is having a first try over 3m along with Barbados Blue and neither is ruled out with promising novice The Golden Rebel also worth a second look. The luckless Ashfield Paddy and the returning Gunfleet add to the interest.
Ballyhome (IRE) 11-2 (11-8) Midfield, reminder after 9th, ridden after 4 out, progress to 2nd jumping 3 out, hit front 2 out, stayed on gamely, ridden clear, won at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Nov beating No Getaway (10-13) by 5 1/2l, 8 ran.
Glinger Flame (IRE) 12-1 (11-2) Always towards rear, never on terms, 9th of 11, dist behind Kateson (11-1) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (2) sft in Dec.
The Golden Rebel (IRE) 5-2 (11-5) Led, pressed on either side 3 out, quickly headed, kept on but well held, 5th of 8, 17 3/4l behind Threeunderthrufive (11-8) at Musselburgh 3m (2) sft in Feb.
Teescomponents Lad 4-1 (12-1) Led narrowly, headed after 2nd, close up when pushed along bypassing 3 out, weakened before last, 4th of 8, 25 1/2l behind Ask Paddington (11-12) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Regarding Ruth (IRE) 10-3 (10-5) Pushed into prominent position, restrained behind leading pair after 1st, ridden and outpaced 2 out, stayed on one pace from last, 4th of 9, 15l behind Bannixtown Glory (10-9) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp lst (1) gd in Apr.
Gunfleet (IRE) 6-1 (11-3) Raced wide, chased leaders, weakened 3 out, 7th of 9, 24 1/2l behind Diablo De Rouhet (11-6) at Newbury 3m hcp (2) gs in Nov.
Ashfield Paddy (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Led, headed and ridden after 2 out, kept on behind comfortable winner, 2nd of 5, 11l behind Storm Nelson (10-13) at Carlisle 3m 1f hcp (3) sft in Mar.
Barbados Blue (IRE) 11-4 (11-10) Chased leader, carried left then left in lead stable bend after 5th, mistake next, headed before 7th, ridden 3 out, lost 2nd last, weakened flat, last of 4, 6l behind Precious Eleanor (10-13) at Ludlow 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Mar.