tracked leading pair, went 2nd 7th, chased new leader after next, led 3 out, clear when dived at last, kept on well
chased leaders until dropped to last and outpaced 4th, not fluent next, reminder after 8th, rallied into 3rd before 4 out, ridden and went 2nd 2 out, no chance with winner
led until mistake headed and lost place 1st, chased leaders, pushed along in 4th before 4 out, weakening when hit next, modest 3rd run-in
raced keenly, led 1st until 3rd, chased leader, led again 8th until 3 out, mistake and lost 2nd next, weakened run-in
held up, headway to lead 3rd, headed 8th and dropped to 3rd, outpaced in rear and beaten before next
John Williams carries a penalty for winning a lesser contest here yesterday but is an course specialist so entitled to respect if making a quick reappearance. MONSIEUR CO (NAP) is preferred, however, as he’s won his last two over fences, including one here, and has only been raised 3lb. Boy's On Tour won twice at Perth last summer but this looks a prep race for when the seasons change and Contre Tous is badly out of sorts. Civil Unrest has been a good servant to connections but looks held on the form book.
Monsieur Co (FR) 11-4 (11-12) Tracked leader, led before 2 out, soon strongly challenged, hard ridden last, held on gamely, won at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Jan beating Some Reign (12-2) by 3/4l, 4 ran.
Civil Unrest (IRE) 7-2 (11-11) Led, headed 3rd, tracked leaders, pushed along and slightly outpaced approaching 4 out, ridden 3 out, stayed on to press for 3rd close home, 4th of 5, 14 1/2l behind Monsieur Co (11-12) at Musselburgh 2m hcp (4) gd in Dec.
Boy's On Tour (IRE) 13-2 (11-9) Made all, not fluent 4th, driven after 3 out, 2 lengths clear last, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Perth 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Jul beating Between The Waters (10-13) by 1 3/4l, 9 ran.
Contre Tous (FR) 28-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, pushed along after 3 out, weakened before next, 7th of 11, 17 1/4l behind Dino Velvet (11-9) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in Feb.
John Williams (IRE) 11-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders, went 2nd at 4th until approaching 4 out, chased leading pair, 2nd again 3 out, left in lead last, ridden run-in, headed and no extra towards finish, 2nd of 5, 1l behind Mumgos Debut (11-4) at Ayr 2m hcp (4) sft in Jan.