tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, went 2nd approaching 3 out, ridden and headway to lead briefly before last, no impression on winner run-in, kept on one pace
led or disputed lead, slight mistake 2nd, not fluent 7th, slight mistake and headed next, lost place before 2 out, no extra
always rear, never a factor, detached halfway, no impression when slight mistake 3 out, no extra
tracked leaders, 5th halfway, headway on outer into 3rd before 3 out, went 2nd approaching straight, ridden in 3rd before last and no impression run-in, kept on one pace
prominent and disputed lead, mistake 5th, led 8th, pushed along and headed briefly approaching last, ridden and kept on well run-in
tracked leaders, slight mistake 8th, 4th and slight mistake 2 out, soon ridden and no impression approaching last, kept on one pace
rear of mid-division, some headway after 4 out, pushed along and no impression before 2 out, no extra
mid-division, 6th halfway, pushed along in 5th after 2 out and no extra approaching last
rear of mid-division, closer approaching 3 out, pushed along and no impression after 2 out, no extra
Kesselring won at Goodwood for Richard Hannon and though not making much of an impact on his hurdling bow on this track is certain to have benefited from the experience. HIGH SPARROW, just beaten in a point in December, battled to victory in a heavy-ground bumper at Limerick three weeks later and doesn't appear to have much to beat on his hurdling debut. Caltex has only shown moderate form in bumpers but should do much better over obstacles as he was narrowly beaten when making his debut between the flags two years ago. Percy Veer, four times a winner on the level, ran a bit better on his second start over timber at Limerick but will need more.
Caltex (FR) 9-4 (12-0) Settled behind leaders, 4th halfway, ridden and no impression 3f out, kept on one pace straight, 4th of 6, 15 3/4l behind Bang Bang Rosie (11-7) at Punchestown 2m Soft - Heavy in Nov.
Ger's Lad (IRE) 25-1 (11-12) Mid-division on inner, mistake 2nd, no impression from 4 out, never a factor, 12th of 24, dist behind Play The Game (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m mdn hvy in Jan.
Instant Decision (IRE) Flemensfirth gelding out of Lemonfield Lady.
Percy Veer 50-1 (11-12) Rear of mid-division early, soon 5th, 4th at 5th, no impression on leaders 4 out, progress to moderate 3rd 2 out, kept on without threatening, 3rd of 7, 22 3/4l behind Beyond The Law (11-4) at Limerick 2m 3f mdn hvy in Dec.
High Sparrow (IRE) 13-8fav (11-11) Led, pressed and ridden from 2f out, soon joined, regained lead inside final furlong and kept on best close home, won at Limerick 2m hvy in Dec beating Big Nick (11-11) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Kesselring 9-2 (11-10) Tracked leader, not fluent 2nd, 2nd halfway, slight mistake 4 out, headway to dispute next, headed after 2 out and soon no impression in 4th, no extra approaching last, 4th of 15, 15 1/4l behind Impact Factor (11-12) at Punchestown 2m mdn Soft - Heavy in Jan.
On The Mend (IRE) 33-1 (11-9) Held up, not fluent 2nd, 13th before 4th, moderate 11th approaching 6th, no extra approaching straight, pulled up before 2 out, at Navan 2m 4f mdn hvy in Jan.
Humm Baby (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Mid-division best, never a factor, 12th of 21, dist behind Moyhenna (11-7) at Punchestown 2m mdn hvy in Jan.
Victoria Bay (IRE) 50-1 (11-3) Towards rear, ridden and no impression 4 out, kept on one pace straight, 8th of 15, dist behind Ballyward (11-12) at Naas 2m 3f mdn Soft - Heavy in Jan.
