tracked leader, led 10th, ridden and joined 2 out, not fluent last, headed flat, rallied to lead close home, all out
led 2nd, not fluent and headed 10th, blundered 11th, joined winner 2 out, led after last, hard ridden and headed close home
Ballycassidy, like the rest of Peter Bowen's yard, has been on a roll, and can beat Calling Brave, with Goodtime George best of the rest. Ballycassidy has won six of his last eight starts, the latest of which was a gutsy effort over the course and distance, as he repelled the persistent challenge of Native Emperor all the way to the line. Left alone at Aintree the time before when Strong Flow departed, his other victories have been more hard-earned. He made no show in the Galway Plate and found the trip too short when beaten by Brother Joe at Chepstow. Apart from that it is hard to knock him and Ballycassidy will surely be hard to beat. Calling Brave will have his supporters after a very impressive performance over hurdles at Aintree on his return. He took on top company over timber and would have paid the penalty this season so going fencing is the obvious route. He has schooled well at Lambourn and might make up into a Sun Alliance Chase candidate. Goodtime George, despite his age, has only a few miles on the clock due to injury, but did not do a great deal wrong when putting in an impressive round of jumping on this track last month, and if remaining sound, is not one to discount. However, Ballycassidy is a real battler and will not be passed without a fight.
