in rear and in touch, weakened before 3 out
tracked leaders, challenged before 2 out, led before last and soon clear
with leaders, led before 2 out, headed before last, kept on and no impression
led, headed before 2 out, soon outpaced
Nathan Moscrop’s allowance helps offset a double penalty for the earlier wins of BALLYCRYSTAL. Brian Ellison's charge disappointed in a trial for Cheltenham on good ground at Musselburgh last time but this is easier and he can get the better of Justforjames. The latter had less excuse for a below par effort over track and trip having landed a double here in December but is well clear of recent course winner Bollin Ace on these terms. Pinch Of Ginger never figured on his hurdles bow and Bat Sheva has shown nothing so far.
Ballycrystal (IRE) 11-2 (11-13) Chased leaders, under pressure approaching 9th, weakened 4 out, tailed off, last of 5, dist behind Monbeg Charmer (11-10) at Musselburgh 3m (2) gd in Feb.
Bollin Ace 3-1 (11-4) Made all, clear before 2 out, easily, won at Sedgefield 2m 5f (4) hvy in Feb beating Picknick Park (11-4) by dist, 3 ran.
Justforjames (IRE) 4-5fav (11-11) Led, soon joined, headed 3 out, rallied approaching next, weakened before last, 3rd of 7, 25l behind Bordeaux Bill (11-5) at Sedgefield 2m 4f (4) gs in Jan.
Pinch Of Ginger (IRE) 9-2 (11-6) Led to 3 out, weakened 2 out, 6th of 13, 29l behind King Of Fashion (11-6) at Ayr 2m 4f mdn (5) sft in Jan.
Bat Sheva (IRE) 100-1 (10-13) Always behind, never jumped well, weakened 5 out, soon tailed off, last of 9, dist behind Gaitway (11-6) at Musselburgh 2m mdn (5) gd in Feb.