prominent, led 5 out, shaken up and forged on before 3 out, pushed along 2 out and clear, ran on well, readily
held up behind leaders, hit 4 out and shaken up, plugged on and took 2nd run-in, no chance with winner
led narrowly, headed and remained close up 5 out, pushed along and outpaced by winner 3 out, not fluent last and lost 2nd run-in
handy, pushed along after 5 out and lost position, ridden and no extra from 3 out, kept on one pace
NonRunner
The bottom pair are course and distance winners, Ritson having won easily on Boxing Day before suffering an injury when well supported at Ayr while Oscars Leader is on a 6lb lower mark than when scoring at the fixture a year ago. BARON DE MIDLETON won easily over the track and trip in November and was racing in better company at Doncaster last time. Heroique De Maulde improved to score on fast ground at Doncaster and is only 2lb higher while Chanceux would have a definite chance at his best but jumped badly at Uttoxeter last time.
Baron De Midleton (IRE) 9-1 (10-5) Chased leaders on inside, went 2nd 7th, every chance 3 out, no impression flat, 2nd of 5, 7l behind Bold Endeavour (11-10) at Doncaster 2m 5f hcp (3) gs in Jan.
Heroique De Maulde (FR) 11-8fav (11-6) Held up, closed 3rd, led next, driven flat, all out, won at Doncaster 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Feb beating Tupelo Mississippi (11-9) by 1/2l, 5 ran.
Chanceux (IRE) 10-3fav (11-10) Took keen hold, led, bad mistake 5th, headed 6th and chased leader, pushed along before 4 out, soon struggling and weakened 3 out, no chance when fell last, at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Jan.
Oscars Leader (IRE) 28-1 (11-9) Prominent, jumped right, mistake 2nd, outpaced before 2 out, soon weakened, 6th of 11, 13 1/2l behind Galop De Chasse (12-0) at Hereford 2m hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Ritson (IRE) 10-3 (12-0) Chased leaders, slow 1st, soon lost place, closed on outside after 4th, ridden and weakened before 4 out, tailed off, 8th of 9, dist behind Lake Takapuna (11-10) at Ayr 2m hcp (4) sft in Feb.
