raced keenly, tracked leading pair until after 3 out, went 3rd again on long run before next, no chance with leading pair, hit last
led, went right 2nd, clear after next, reduced lead when went right and hit 9th, headed and weakened quickly after 3 out
kept wide, tracked leader who went clear after 3rd, closer 9th, led after 3 out, narrowly headed 2 out, badly hampered on inside and stumbled before last, switched right and rallied, stayed on to lead again final 100 yards, won going away
held up in 4th place, closer in 3rd after 3 out, led next, ridden and hung badly left before the last, bad mistake last, headed and no extra final 100 yards
NonRunner
Away For Slates makes a quick reappearance having prevailed by only a head at Fontwell two days ago. A 7lb penalty may well anchor him in this and the less-exposed EAGLEHILL is preferred. The latter was having only his second outing over fences when scoring with a bit in hand at Taunton and Olly Murphy’s grey has enough scope to defy a rise in the weights. Bridle Loanan has more to prove off his current mark having won twice over fences while winning hurdlers Tribesmans Glory and Present From Dubai have yet to figure over the larger obstacles.
Present From Dubai (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Off the pace in 6th, pushed along before 4 out, never on terms with leaders, tailed off, 6th of 9, dist behind Doukarov (11-8) at Leicester 2m hcp (4) sft in Mar.
Bridle Loanan (IRE) 18-1 (11-5) In touch when unseated rider 3rd, at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Feb.
Eaglehill (FR) 5-2 (11-0) Led and disputed after 1st, challenged 3 out, led last, quickened clear, won at Taunton 2m 6f hcp (4) sft in Mar beating Waikiki Waves (11-10) by 2 3/4l, 4 ran.
Tribesmans Glory (IRE) 7-1 (11-3) Held up, untidy at 8th, unseated rider 10th, at Catterick 2m 3f hcp (4) hvy in Jan.
Away For Slates (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Disputed lead, jumped right 1st, led outright 4th, joined again 5th, led 8th, ridden 3 out, clear leader 2 out, narrow advantage last, headed flat, rallied to lead final strides, won at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp (4) gs in Mar beating Demopolis (11-10) by hd, 6 ran.