tracked leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened from next
led, headed 2nd, pulled up quickly after 4, lame
mid-division, headway and every chance 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, soon hung right and one pace
always behind, weakened after 3 out
mid-division, ridden approaching 2 out, soon led, headed and no extra run-in
tracked leaders, led after 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, weakening when blundered last
mid-division, tracked leaders 3 out, ridden after 2 out, kept on to lead run-in
always towards rear, pulled up before 3 out
prominent, led 2nd, ridden and weakened quickly 3 out, pulled up before next
always behind, lost place from 3rd
A moderate selling hurdle where Sualda is most favourably treated at the weights according to BHA ratings but we like the claims of Marlborough Sound. The injury plagued Marlborough Sound makes his return to the racecourse after an absence in excess of two years. Previously rated 115, the market will prove the best guide to his chances, however, with stamina appearing to be his forte, the distance of two miles is likely to be on the sharp side. It is interesting though that Tony Dobbin renews his partnership with the nine year old. Ground conditions would have to be cited as a major concern for Sualda as his victories throughout the course of his career have been achieved on ground no worse than good. Tirol Livit returns to the grade where he was last successful but recent performances fail to enhance his credentials. Others in the race make little appeal and a chance is taken with Marlborough Sound to make a winning reappearance in what truly is a modest contest.
Tirol Livit (IRE) 33-1 (10-6) Slow 1st, always behind and pulled up 4 out in race won by Kitty Wong (10-2) at Market Rasen 2m 2f nov chs (4) sft in Dec, 9 ran.
Cutting Chrystal (IRE) 50-1 (11-12) Towards rear, no extra from before 4 out, tailed off, 16th of 17, well behind Rathmore Castle (11-12) at Navan 2m 4f mdn hdl gf in Nov.
Marlborough Sound 3-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, headway approaching 8th, mistake 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 6th of 8, well behind Tomina (11-12) at Huntingdon 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gd in Nov '05.
Modarab 33-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, weakened approaching 3 out, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Spivitus (10-11) at Catterick 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd in Dec, 17 ran.
Nevinstown (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) Always behind, 12th of 14, 42l behind Along The Nile (10-7) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) gf in Nov.
Sualda (IRE) 9-1 (10-13) Mid-division, headway after 3rd, ridden after 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 9th of 12, 24l behind Master Nimbus (10-13) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Oct.
The Weaver (FR) 66-1 (10-0) Tracked leader until weakened after 4 out, 12th of 13, 41l behind Inch High (10-10) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy.
Dictatrix 33-1 (8-13) Led after 2f, ridden and headed approaching 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out, 12th of 13, 24l behind Oasis Sun (8-12) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Nov (Flat).
Fairfield 250-1 (10-9) In rear and early reminders, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up at the 9th in race won by Sunday City (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Nov, 13 ran.
Lanigan's Ball (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Led, headed after 5f, chased leaders, 4th 6f out, ridden 5f out, 8th and no extra 4f out, moderate 6th 2f out, kept on one pace, 7th of 14, 25l behind Backtothekingsnest (10-13) at Downpatrick 2m 2f nhf gd in Dec.