held up in touch, mistake 10th, went 2nd after next, hard driven approaching 4 out, weakened before 2 out, remote 4th
led until 2nd, led again 10th, mistake next, headed 4 out, rallied next, no extra approaching last
chased leaders, took closer order 5 out, effort after next, stayed on into 2nd after last, never reached winner
prominent, led 2nd headed 10th, rallied to lead again 4 out, drew clear last, readily
All can be given a chance including Just Minded off his current mark having undergone recent wind surgery. But BORN FOR WAR was the most impressive of the recent winners when scoring over 2m4f here and is fancied to go in again and confirm running with second-placed Elmono in the process. The latter has since gone close over track and trip but has plenty to find with the selection while Always Lion won at Market Rasen when last in in action in 2017 and has since joined Iain Jardine’s yard.
Always Lion (IRE) 7-4fav (11-8) Led, jumped slowly and headed 4th, led again 7th, made rest, ridden after last, kept on well, won at Market Rasen 3m hcp (4) gd in May beating Beneficial Joe (11-8) by 1 1/2l, 5 ran.
Born For War (IRE) 11-4 (10-12) Led until 2nd, remained prominent, led again before 4 out, drew clear 2 out, ran on well, won at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Nov beating Elmono (11-3) by 13l, 7 ran.
Just Minded (IRE) 7-2 (11-10) Close up, ridden 4 out, kept on one pace, 4th of 6, 26 1/4l behind Thyne For Gold (10-10) at Bangor 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Nov.
Elmono (FR) 5-2 (11-12) Close up, went 3rd at 11th, chased winner 3 out, every chance from next, ridden and ran on, just held close home, 2nd of 5, hd behind Attention Please (10-12) at Musselburgh 3m hcp (4) gd in Dec.