chased leaders, went 3rd at 9th, challenged 2 out, soon 2nd, ridden and every chance last, unable to quicken run-in
chased leader, led 4 out until 2 out, soon dropped to 3rd and no extra before last
jumped right, mistake and headed 4 out, chased leader, rallied under pressure to lead again 2 out, pressed last, driven out run-in
chased leaders, pushed along after 15th, no extra in 4th from 3 out
always last, ridden and struggling 16th, tailed off
IMPACT AREA was far from disgraced in the Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham last month, racing in touch until a blunder stopped him in his tracks. He finished a long way in front of Indiana Bay and should have few problems confirming that form here with a clear round. Tony Star won over hurdles and fences for Philip Hobbs and has easily justified favouritism in a point-to-point at Lydstep since his fifth at Leicester. But he has to give the selection 6lb, not including riders' allowances, which may prove beyond him. It's hard to fancy either Karinga Dandy or Batu Ferringhi on these terms.
Tony Star (FR) 6-4fav (11-7) Hdwy 12; led 14; drew clr 3 out; easy, won at Lydstep 3m sft in Mar beating Watch The Birdie (10-11) by 15l, 5 ran.
Indiana Bay (IRE) 125-1 (12-0) Mid-division, lost place when mistake 18th, no danger after, 13th of 24, 31 1/2l behind On The Fringe (12-0) at Cheltenham 3m 2f (2) gd in Mar.
Impact Area (IRE) 66-1 (12-0) Prominent, bumped 10th, outpaced after 4 out, no impression from next, 11th of 24, 16 1/2l behind On The Fringe (12-0) at Cheltenham 3m 2f (2) gd in Mar.
Batu Ferringhi (FR) 9-2 (11-13) (cp) led til hdd & wknd aft 3 out, 3rd of 7, 15 1/2l behind Blazing Whale (12-1) at Bishops Court 3m sft in Mar.
Karinga Dandy (IRE) 10-1 (12-7) In tch to 15, 5th of 6, 32 1/2l behind Premier Portrait (12-7) at Hackwood Park 3m sft in Mar.