Gunsight Ridge had to be ridden out to justify favouritism in a modest novice event at Doncaster and, taking into account riders’ claims, has to give 25lb to NEFYN POINT, who came right back to form when second at Carlisle in November. Busy Street hasn’t really looked like winning so far over hurdles but has place claims again while Royal Cosmic and Pammi are previous course winners. Taking Flight has been lightly raced for his age and looks best of the rest.
Gunsight Ridge 11-10fav (10-12) Held up and keen, not fluent 3rd, travelled strongly to press leader 2 out, ridden to lead narrowly approaching last, stayed on strongly flat, won at Doncaster 2m 1f (4) gd in Nov beating Away At Dawn (11-5) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Three Castles 18-1 (11-11) Towards rear, ridden and lost touch before 3 out, tailed off before 2 out, pulled up, at Musselburgh 2m hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Taking Flight (IRE) 5-2 (10-12) In touch in mid-division on inside, closed 8th, outpaced after 3 out, mistake 2 out, went 4th before last, no impression, 4th of 10, 19 1/4l behind Liffeydale Dreamer (10-5) at Cartmel 2m 6f (4) gs in Jul.
Pammi 33-1 (11-11) Towards rear, ridden after 8th, adrift 2 out, no impression, 7th of 13, 21 1/2l behind Celtic Flames (11-11) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Busy Street 7-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, pushed along before 2 out, no extra approaching last, 3rd of 12, 24l behind Minella Drama (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 1f (4) gd in Nov.
For Three (IRE) 28-1 (11-4) Midfield, lost ground and ridden after 6th, headway under pressure when hampered 2 out, kept on from last but no chance with leaders, 3rd of 14, 22 3/4l behind Raymond (11-7) at Musselburgh 2m hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Big Jim Dwyer (IRE) 50-1 (11-12) Mid-division, mistake 8th, headway after next, disputing 2nd 2 out until after last, no impression on winner, kept on, 3rd of 15, 9 1/2l behind Barnay (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp (5) gs in Dec.
Effet Special (FR) 15-2 (10-13) Midfield, outpaced on home turn, minor headway 2 out, lacked pace to challenge, 6th of 11, 20l behind Newtown Boy (12-2) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Nefyn Point 10-1 (11-4) In rear, rapid headway travelling strongly before 3 out, pressed leader 2 out, almost upsides under pressure last, no extra close home, 2nd of 11, 5l behind Applaus (11-7) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Nov.
Royal Cosmic 9-1 (11-12) Mid-division, struggling after 4 out, tailed off 3 out, kept on flat, no impression, 7th of 12, 15 3/4l behind Sarvi (11-5) at Musselburgh 2m hcp (5) gs in Dec.
