held up, headway 5th, pushed along approaching 10th, weakened after 4 out
led early, chased leader, left in lead 6th, hit 10th, kept on well from last, driven out
soon led, blundered 2nd, blundered 4th, fell 6th
held up in rear, headway approaching 10th, went 2nd after 4 out, kept on from 2 out, lost 2nd close home
held up, outpaced 10th, weakened after next, pulled up after 3 out
chased leaders, behind when weakening approaching 4 out, unseated rider next
held up, went 2nd 8th, ridden after 4 out, kept on from next, took 2nd close home
held up in touch, behind when blundered 4 out, soon weakened
Doe Nal Rua can return to winning ways here at the expense of Reflex Courier and Courage Under Fire. Tim Easterby's gelding was successful over the three mile trip at Musselburgh in December and put up another solid display when a six length third behind then well handicapped Celtic Legend. He is still on a winning mark and is a confident choice. Reflex Courier hasn't been see for almost a year but had some terrific handicap form last season and should go close if fit. Meanwhile Courage Under Fire can also take a hand in the finish if reproducing the pick of last season's efforts. Georgian Harry hasn't seen a racecourse for quite some time but hails from a top yard and should be noted for any market move. Jaoka du Gord ran his best race to date when second to It's Music last time and may find his way into the places, however Doe Nal Rua has the best overall form and gets the nod.
Doe Nal Rua (IRE) 5-2jt-fav Led, ridden approaching 4 out, headed 3 out, soon one pace, 3rd of 7, 6l behind Celtic Legend at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gd in Jan.
Courage Under Fire 11-1 Held up in touch, weakened quickly and well behind from 13th, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Kittenkat at Folkestone 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gs in Jan, 9 ran.
Georgian Harry (IRE) 10-1 Held up, ridden and headway approaching 2 out, driven and ran on well flat, not reach winner, 2nd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Dr Charlie at Warwick 2m 3f nov hdl (E) gf in Apr '02.
Jaoka du Gord (FR) 6-1 Held up in rear, headway 11th, ridden to chase winner 2 out, no extra flat, 2nd of 8, 8l behind It's Music at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gs in Jan.
Reflex Courier (IRE) 6-1 Held up, headway 10th, ridden and kept on one pace from 3 out, 4th of 10, 16l behind War Tune at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gs in Mar.
Schoolhouse Walk 33-1 Led until 6 out, ridden and weakened next and pulled up 2 out in race won by Menphis Beury at Doncaster 3m nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Jan, 8 ran.
Lanmire Tower (IRE) 5-1 With leaders, ridden and close up between last two, weakened before last, 3rd of 7, 19l behind Tensile at Folkestone 2m 6f sll hdl (G) gs in Jan.
Sissinghurst Storm (IRE) 14-1 Mid-division, lost place 12th, soon behind, 8th of 17, 27l behind Jackem at Leicester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-95 (F) gs in Jan.
