held up in touch, took closer order on outer 10th, went 2nd after 4 out, ridden after next, kept on under pressure flat, not reach winner
led, jumped slowly and headed 4th, led again 7th, made rest, ridden after last, kept on well
held up in touch, chased leaders when blundered 5 out, outpaced after next, remote 4th before 3 out
tracked leaders, hit 8th, driven and outpaced by front pair approaching 3 out, ridden after next, kept on until no extra flat
tracked winner, led 4th to 7th, reminders when lost place after 11th, ridden and weakened after 4 out, tailed off when pulled up before next
ALLTHEGEAR NO IDEA made relentless late headway when second at Perth last month and gives the impression he’s well handicapped over fences. Though the senior runner here, Nigel Twiston-Davies’ charge can open his account over the larger obstacles. Mahler Lad won over further at Sedgefield but has been raised 9lb and steps up a grade. Red Infantry and Beneficial Joe are tackling fences for the first time but are well enough treated if enjoying the new challenge and Always Lion was a promising hurdler in 2015 and from a yard that can get one ready at home.
Beneficial Joe (IRE) 7-2 (11-13) In rear, headway before 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 4th of 8, 15 3/4l behind The Road Ahead (11-4) at Bangor 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Always Lion (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Prominent, led 2nd, strongly challenged when mistake 2 out, stayed on gamely, won at Ludlow 2m 5f (3) gs in Nov beating Robin Of Locksley (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Red Infantry (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Tracked leader, driven to lead briefly before 2 out, kept on same pace, no impression with winner from last, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 10, 6 1/4l behind Tantamount (11-1) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Apr.
Allthegear No Idea (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Mistake 2nd, mid-division, blundered 5th, lost place 11th, soon behind, ridden and rallied after last, ran on closing stages, just failed for 2nd, always held, 3rd of 10, 2 1/4l behind Jovial Joey (11-8) at Perth 3m hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Mahler Lad (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Made most, pressed between last 2 fences, held on towards finish, won at Sedgefield 3m 2f hcp (5) gd in Apr beating Sweet Belle (10-12) by 1l, 10 ran.
