held up, headway after 12th, ridden after 4 out, no impression
led, ridden approaching 4 out, headed 3 out, soon one pace
towards rear, weakened 11th, lost touch next, pulled up before 4 out
mid-division, ridden approaching 4 out, soon beaten
tracked leaders, weakened from 10th and soon beaten
mid-division, smooth headway to lead 3 out, ran on well
Nonrunner
Doe Nal Rua can beat old stager Xaipete, with Celtic Legend and Pornic best of the remainder. Doe Nal Rua had been placed on a few occasions this season and it was really no surprise when he battled well to beat Family Venture on his first visit to the Scottish track at the end of December. He is still not too badly handicapped and will like the ground, but the one reservation is the fact that Tim Easterby's charge is dropped back in distance. If the race was any stronger he would be worth opposing on that score, but against this opposition it will not be as important. Richard Guest relies on Xaipete rather than Jericho III, but the veteran just always seems to find one too good these days and yet another place beckons. Celtic Legend has more time on his side at the age of six and was successful over the course and distance in amateur company the time before last. He never threatened at Catterick next time though so cannot be backed with confidence. Nor can Pornic who was pulled up in that race at the Yorkshire track. Doe Nal Rua is more consistent than most here and is the percentage call.
