held up, headway and effort 3 out, chased leaders when blundered next, one pace approaching last
close up, headway 3 out, led next, ridden and stayed on until headed, no extra near finish
jumped left 2nd, led to 5th, tracked leader, led again 5 out, jumped left from 3 out, headed 2 out, every chance when mistake last, edged left flat, stayed on to lead near finish
behind, struggling 10th, tailed off 5 out
tracked leader, led 5th, headed 5 out, outpaced 3 out, weakened next
There is not a great deal of rules form for backers to go on here but ALMOST BLUE has been running well in point-to-points and, from a yard that does well with their hunter chasers, he is taken to make a winning debut under rules and gets the verdict ahead of Coastley and Kalatime. The last mentioned was no better than plating class when last seen under rules but he has been running well in points of late and has to be considered in this company. Silk Parasol looked held before unseating her rider at Hexham recently and is best discounted, while Athoss has been running consistently well between the flags and has to be considered. Coastley showed some promise in bumpers but has improved for going in point-to-points and has solid claims back over regulation fences but Almost Blue comes into this in good heart and is taken to open his account at the first time of asking under National Hunt rules.
Almost Blue (IRE) 9-2 (12-0) Bhnd til gd hdwy 3 out; too much to do, 2nd of 9, 3l behind Abandon Ship (12-0) at Witton Castle 3m ptp.
Athoss 7-2 (12-0) Ap; led 4 out til hdd aft nxt; ev ch last; no ex flat, 3rd of 14, 1l behind My Final Bid (12-0) at Mosshouses 3m ptp.
Coastley (IRE) 2-1 (12-5) Led to 9; outpcd aft 3 out; eased when btn flat, 2nd of 5, 15l behind Anshan Spirit (11-12) at Mosshouses 3m ptp.
Kalatime (IRE) 7-2 (11-7) (cp) ap; led 2 out til hdd & no ex flat, 2nd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Tomopolly (12-0) at Aspatria 3m ptp.
Silk Parasol (IRE) 8-1 (10-7) Led 3-10 & 12 til hdd app 14; one pce 3 out, 3rd of 7, 7l behind Robbers Glen (11-0) at Aspatria 3m ptp.