led, pushed along after 4 out, headed next, chased winner, well held before next, stayed on same pace run-in
tracked leader, led going best when hit 3 out, clear before next, ridden and stayed on well run-in
chased leading pair throughout, outpaced and ridden 4 out, weakened and no chance with 1st 2, tailed off
always last, pushed along before 7th, outpaced when mistake next, weakened 4 out, tailed off and pulled up before next
Soft going and an absence since July are twin concerns for supporters of Iona Lad and OVERCOURT (NAP) is preferred. Sandy Thomson’s charge has improved with each run over hurdles and this is poor contest. Methodtothemadness has only beaten one home in two handicaps since winning a novice event at Carlisle while long-standing maiden Paper Roses has not been getting any closer this season.
Methodtothemadness (IRE) 16-1 (11-8) Led until 5th, beaten 3 out, soon weakened, 8th of 9, 34 1/4l behind Ilaya (11-5) at Newcastle 2m hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Overcourt 12-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, went 3rd 2 out, driven and kept on same pace between last 2, no chance with clear pair, 3rd of 12, 15l behind Cheddleton (11-4) at Kelso 2m (4) hvy in Jan.
Paper Roses (IRE) 20-1 (11-12) In touch, ridden 3 out, not trouble leaders, 6th of 10, 17 1/2l behind Kauto D'Amour (11-7) at Newcastle 2m hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Iona Lad (IRE) 11-2 (10-11) Held up in touch, ridden after 3 out, effort to chase winner approaching 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 4, 4 1/2l behind No Hidden Charges (11-12) at Newton Abbot 2m 6f (4) gf in Jul.
