tracked leader, mistake 3 out, weakened before 2 out
tracked leaders, led before 2 out, ridden and headed after last, kept on towards finish
led, ridden and headed before 2 out, kept on same pace
in rear and in touch, headway before 4 out, went 2nd before last, led soon after, driven out
tracked leaders, outpaced before 4 out, kept on from 2 out, no impression
Kastani Beach is 5lb higher than when scoring in a much lower grade over course and distance three weeks ago. No Substitute still has plenty to prove but Suerte Al Salto has been largely consistent over 2m, though needs some help from the handicapper. Roger Beantown could probably also do with dropping a few pounds but has been placed three times at this level. DE BLACKSMITH has been second twice over course and distance this season and looks well up to winning one of these. He appeared to find 3m too far at Newbury last time.
Roger Beantown (IRE) 11-1 (11-7) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd before 4th, not fluent 8th, lost 2nd 3 out, soon ridden and outpaced, kept on trying for well held 2nd run-in, last of 3, 16l behind Sound Investment (11-7) at Sandown 2m nov chs (3) gs in Mar.
No Substitute (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Held up in rear, never on terms, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Boogie In The Barn (11-4) at Kempton 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb, 7 ran.
De Blacksmith (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Held up, went 4th 8th, outpaced after 13th, 3rd and well held by leaders from 2 out, lost 3rd close home, 4th of 7, 21l behind Thanks For Coming (11-8) at Newbury 3m nov hcp chs (0-125) (3) gd in Mar.
Suerte Al Salto (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, headway 3 out, soon chasing leaders, kept on same pace approaching last, 3rd of 10, 8l behind Un Anjou (10-9) at Warwick 2m hcp chs 0-120 (4) gs in Dec.
Kastani Beach (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Held up in last trio, steady headway 8th, chased leaders from 10th, went 2nd 3 out, led before left clear 2 out, driven before last, idled flat, always holding on, won at Plumpton 2m 4f cond hcp chs (5) gd in Mar beating Mia's Vic (11-7) by 1 1/4l, 10 ran.