held up towards rear, outpaced before 2 out, never a threat
chased clear leader (winner) to before 2 out, soon weakened, tailed off
allowed clear lead and set slow pace, made all, driven between last 2, not fluent last, unchallenged
mid-division, headway when not fluent 3 out, disputed 2nd before next, soon outpaced, well held when not fluent last, weakened flat
held up in 3rd, outpaced before 2 out, never on terms, weakened from last
held up in rear, headway under pressure before 2 out, went narrow 3rd and kept on from last, never reached leaders
held up behind, headway before 2 out, ridden and stayed on to dispute 3rd from last, never near leaders
held up in 4th, went 2nd when ridden before 2 out, kept on same pace, no chance with winner
held up towards rear, outpaced before 2 out, never involved
Irish Prophecy was two from two in bumpers last season but his stable has yet to hit form. Captain Simon won a bumper at Taunton in April but was well beaten on a first try over hurdles at Chepstow. Newcomer Leapaway isn't really bred for the trip while Second Time Around may not have beaten much at Market Rasen in May. DESERT CROSS has proved a consistent sort at a modest level on the Flat this year and last. He wasn't beaten far on his sole start over hurdles and, with the going ideal, should give a good account.
Captain Simon (IRE) 5-1 (10-12) Towards rear, steady headway into mid-division after 4th, pushed along after 4 out, weakened next, 9th of 14, 24 1/2l behind Dynamite Dollars (10-12) at Chepstow 2m (4) gs in Oct.
Desert Cross 20-1 (9-2) Dwelt towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 13, 3l behind Hajaam (9-10) at Yarmouth 1m 3f hcp (5) gs in Oct.
Irish Prophecy (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, challenged on outside going well over 2f out, led inside final 2f, came clear final furlong, readily, won at Kempton 2m (5) gd in Feb beating Champ (11-9) by 2 1/4l, 9 ran.
Leapaway (IRE) Stowaway gelding out of Gisela.
Lord Marmaduke 5-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, soon beaten, 3rd of 5, 12 1/2l behind Countermeasure (9-7) at Ascot 1m 2f mdn stks (4) gd in Sep.
Resiliency (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Held up, headway 3 out, chased leaders next, weakened last, 5th of 9, 24 1/4l behind Landin (11-0) at Worcester 2m 4f mdn (5) gd in Oct.
Second Time Around 11-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, headway over 4f out, chased leaders over 3f out, stayed on strongly inside final furlong to lead close home, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f (6) gd in May beating The Bottom Bar (11-2) by nk, 8 ran.
Trust The Man (IRE) 200-1 (11-0) In touch, pushed along after 6th, soon outpaced, kept on well run-in, 3rd of 13, 8 1/4l behind Highway One O One (11-0) at Plumpton 2m mdn (5) gs in Oct.
Bisoubisou 33-1 (10-5) Always towards rear, 9th of 10, 29 1/4l behind Honest Vic (10-12) at Stratford 2m (3) gd in Nov.
