keen hold early, tracked leaders, driven after 3 out, challenged and hung left from next, narrow lead before last, driven out
in touch, headway to lead 3 out, joined next, left 2nd and slightly hampered last, one pace flat
led to 2nd, stayed tracking leaders, outpaced and ridden before 3 out, one pace in 3rd when hit last
tracked leader, led after 5th, headed 3 out, weakened before next
pulled hard, led 2nd, headed after 5th, weakened after next
always behind, ridden 4th, soon struggling, tailed off
took keen hold in touch, ridden 5th, weakened under pressure before 3 out
held up in rear, ridden and struggling after 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
took keen hold, in touch, ridden before 3 out, no chance when hit next
took keen hold, tracked leaders, challenged 3 out, soon narrow lead, ridden and narrowly headed when fell heavily last
mistake 2nd, always behind, tailed off when fell 3 out fell
A very moderate contest starts the card, with Avalon - a formerly useful type on the Flat - getting the nod over Heathcote, Jubilee Dream and Mac Federal, who head the list of dangers. The last named had raced exclusively in Italy before he made an encouraging start over hurdles at Ludlow a fortnight ago. The Mick Quinlan-trained gelding holds each-way claims on that form; although he may be suited by a longer trip in due course. Jubilee Dream showed flashes of ability on the level when trained by David Elsworth last year. However, a rating in the low 60's is probably about his mark and he is nothing out of the ordinary. He can be expected to be tuned up for his first start over timber and can go on from here. Heathcote is sure to be a popular choice in the betting market after making a fair impression in both his previous outings since switching to the winter game. His 7lb penalty should not inconvenience him too much in this company and he is capable of throwing down another strong challenge this afternoon. Nevertheless, Avalon has shaped as if there are races to be won with him now that the ground is starting to firm up and, with Tony McCoy sure to keep him up to his work to the line, there will be no excuses for this one-time inmate of Aidan O'Brien's today. The son of Kingmambo, who was third in last season's Great Voltigeur at York, has obviously not lived up to his early promise, but he looks to have been found an ideal confidence booster before going on to ply his trade in handicaps.
Heathcote 2-1 (11-7) Took keen hold, tracked leader, hit 1st, ridden to lead and mistake 2 out, driven and ran on flat, headed close home, 2nd of 5, 3/4l behind Onnix (10-10) at Lingfield 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Ardglass (IRE) 28-1 (8-0) Raced wide in mid-division, ridden along over 2f out, no progress, soon weakened, 10th of 14, 11l behind Blue Bajan (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Oct (Flat).
Avalon 7-2 (10-12) Held up, headway 6th, outpaced 3 out, stayed on from next, 3rd of 12, 15l behind Blazing Bailey (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 2f 4yo nov hdl (4) gd.
Bilkie (IRE) 50-1 (8-12) Prominent early, behind final 6f, tailed off, last of 12, well behind Stargazer Jim (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f mdn aut stk (6) pol in Jul (Flat).
Cool Society 16-1 (10-0) Pulled hard, prominent until weakened quickly 4f out, tailed off, 9th of 11, well behind Safari Adventures (10-7) at Plumpton 2m 2f nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Cry of The Wolf 28-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened well over 1f out, last of 8, 11l behind Destinate (9-0) at Newmarket 6f 2yo mdn (D) gf in May '04 (Flat).
Greenacre Legend 100-1 (10-12) Behind, ridden when unseated rider at the 3rd in race won by Heathcote (10-12) at Lingfield 2m 3yo nov hdl (D) sft in Dec, 14 ran.
Imperioli 40-1 (7-11) In touch, weakened 4f out, last of 11, 38l behind My Boo (8-4) at W'hampton 1m 4f banded stk (7) pol in Dec (Flat).
Jubilee Dream 20-1 (9-2) Chased leaders over 6f, 12th of 14, 23l behind Eloquent Knight (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) pol (Flat).
Mac Federal (IRE) 28-1 (10-2) Held up, headway 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression on leaders when blundered 2 out, 5th of 16, 17l behind Political Intrigue (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) gf in Jan.
Maya's Prince 100-1 (10-12) brought down in race won by Detroit City (10-12) at Newbury 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) gs in Jan, 24 ran.
Ramsgill (USA) 7-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, no impression from 2 out, 6th of 17, 8l behind Finland (10-12) at Haydock 2m 3yo nov hdl (D) gd in Oct.
