held up in touch, slow 8th, under pressure 5 out, soon tailed off, moderate 4th
tracked leader, not fluent 1st, effort 4 out, soon no impression
tracked leader, led after 9th, mistake next, soon headed, led again 5 out, headed next, rallied before 2 out, faded approaching last
led, mistake 9th, soon headed, led again 10th, headed 5 out, led again 4 out, stayed on strongly (1 fence ommited)
Clondaw Flicka has been progressing nicely but showed that stamina is his strongpoint with victories at around 3m at Doncaster and Wetherby. He's up 9lb for his latest success and a small field and shorter trip may not play to his strengths. SERGEANT PINK has won six times over fences including off a higher mark at Uttoxeter in September. He couldn't cope with quality opposition in the Grand Sefton at Aintree on his last start over fences but had a run on the Flat last month and can get back on the winning trail. Storming Gale is well enough handicapped to get involved despite a big weight as he's only 1lb higher than his last success while Categorical is no forlorn hope though his best form has been over further.
Storming Gale (IRE) 11-1 (10-13) Fell 1st, in a race won by Bar De Ligne (10-12) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp chs 0-140 (3) gs in Jan, 11 ran.
Sergeant Pink (IRE) 33-1 (10-8) Chased leaders, jumped slowly 2nd, lost place 5th, behind when hit 9th, well beaten after, 9th of 16, well behind Rebel Rebellion (11-11) at Aintree 2m 5f hcp chs (2) sft in Dec.
Clondaw Flicka (IRE) 7-2fav (11-12) Soon led, ridden 3out, headed last, rallied gamely to lead line, won at Wetherby 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Dec beating Shouldavboughtgold (11-0) by hd, 11 ran.
Categorical 25-1 (9-9) Held up towards rear, weakened before 6 out, tailed off, 9th of 10, 22l behind Tranquil Sea (10-12) at Doncaster 3m hcp chs 0-150 (2) gs in Feb.