prominent, led after 4 out, joined when hit 2 out, soon ridden, driven out
held up towards rear, behind from 6th, soon struggling
led, headed 8th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out
held up in rear, not fluent 4 out, soon pushed along and outpaced, kept on approaching 2 out, no impression
chased leader, led 8th, headed after 4 out, weakened approaching next
held up towards rear, headway after 4 out, every chance 2 out, kept on
A trappy contest here and as usual in these events the market will be very informative but the principals look to be Lockstockandbarrel, Tiger King and Mr Barnacle and the vote is given to the last named. The selection was a fair fourth on his debut behind Checkerboard in a bumper despite running green, he looks sure to improve for the switch to hurdles and under conditions that suit he looks a value bet. Tiger King rates the main danger on his best form but he was disappointing for no apparent reason last time out so he cannot be put forward with much confidence. Lockstockandbarrel is another that could go well now that he has his favoured fast ground and he could go well at a price. Checkerboard is another that should improve but in a race where few can be ruled out Mr Barnacle looks a value bet.
Checkerboard (IRE) 4-5fav (11-0) Held up in touch, headway and hit 3 out, slightly hampered and outpaced from next, 3rd of 16, 15l behind Moonhawk (10-9) at Carlisle 2m 1f mdn hdl (5) hvy in Nov.
Jazrawy 50-1 (10-11) Always towards rear, 9th of 16, 41l behind Moonhawk (10-9) at Carlisle 2m 1f mdn hdl (5) hvy in Nov.
Joshua's Gold (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, ridden after 4 out, never dangerous, 14th of 16, well behind Moonhawk (10-9) at Carlisle 2m 1f mdn hdl (5) hvy in Nov.
Lockstockandbarrel (IRE) 17-2 (11-7) In touch, led 2nd, headed 3 out, weakened last, 6th of 13, 26l behind Chef de Cour (11-8) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Mr Barnacle (IRE) 14-1 (11-2) Held up, ridden and headway over 3f out, one pace, 4th of 17, 11l behind Checkerboard (10-10) at Haydock 2m nhf (6) gd in Apr.
Rourke Star 8-1 (10-12) In touch, led after 3 out, headed next, ridden and weakened from last, 5th of 15, 17l behind Mister Pete (10-12) at Kelso 2m nov sll hdl (5) gd in Nov.
The Gleaner 9-1 (11-2) In touch, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 15, 7l behind Rajeh (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gf in May.
Tiger King (GER) 7-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, prominent 4th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened from next, 5th of 11, 14l behind Roman Villa (11-4) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Funny Thing (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Towards rear, ridden approaching 3 out, headway 2 out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 8, 6l behind Battlecry (11-0) at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gf in Sept.