mid-division on inside, headway 3 out, ridden to chase leaders next, kept on same pace
with leaders, hit 3 out, ridden approaching next, challenged between last 2, ridden, stayed on to lead flat, all out
mid-division, headway, in touch when blundered badly 3 out, not recover, soon pulled up
tracked leaders, led 5th, ridden approaching last, headed no extra flat
in touch, disputing 3rd, every chance when stumbled and fell 3 out
behind, outpaced 3 out, never on terms
chased leaders, ridden 2 out, one pace, no impression approaching last
led to 5th, chased leaders until lost place 3 out, behind when pulled up before next
mid-division, reminders, lost place 6th, behind from 3 out
mistakes, always behind
always behind, weakened, pulled up before 2 out
A competitive race opens the card and the three for the shortlist are Balyan, Serbelloni and Stagecoach Diamond with the vote given to Balyan. The selection was a fair sort on the flat and he made a pleasing debut over hurdles when a good second behind Industrial Star. He is sure to benefit from the experience and he looks to have a leading chance. Serbelloni is interesting as he made a pleasing debut over hurdles when beating Edghill. He will relish these ground conditions so has to be of interest. Stagecoach Diamond has shown fair form over hurdles but he has been off the track since July and he lacks the scope of our selection. Character Building has shown fair bumper form and he is another who will have ground conditions to suit, but for the winner we are happy to return to Balyan.
Serbelloni 7-1 (11-2) Mid-division, headway 4 out, led before last, ridden and kept on flat, won at Kelso 2m mdn hdl (E) gs in Dec beating Edgehill (11-2) by 3/4l, 15 ran.
Stagecoach Diamond 4-1 (11-5) Prominent, chased leader all until 6th, ridden and outpaced after 3 out, stayed on take 2nd flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 8l behind Romany Prince (11-5) at Cartmel 2m 6f nov hdl (E) gf in Jul.
Balyan (IRE) 6-4fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, headway to lead 2 out, headed last, no extra flat, 2nd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Industrial Star (10-12) at Catterick 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Jan.
Character Building (IRE) Evensfav (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, led 1f out, hard ridden and headed inside final furlong, 2nd of 13, nk behind Stolen Moments (11-2) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Golden Crest Rakaposhi King gelding out of a chasing-bred mare.
Izzyizzenty 25-1 (10-9) Held up, headway 6th, ridden to lead 3 out, headed and weakened next, 2nd of 14, 8l behind Vingis Park (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (E) hvy in Dec.
Love That Benny (USA) 9-2 (10-9) Tracked winner, headway to challenge 3 out, ridden next, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Flotta (11-4) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hdl (D) gf in Oct.
Moneamon Mon Tresor gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler Finbar's Law.
Step Perfect (USA) 25-1 (11-6) With leader, led and hit 6th, headed next, chasing leaders when stumbled on bend after 3 out, soon outpaced, stayed on from last, 3rd of 13, 4l behind Zeitgeist (11-6) at Catterick 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gd in Jan.
Super Revo 33-1 (11-4) In touch, outpaced 4f out, soon lost place, 13th of 19, 26l behind Young Albert (11-4) at Ayr 2m nhf (H) sft in Dec.
Whatcanyasay 200-1 (10-2) In rear, hit 5th and 6th, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by According To John (11-4) at Ayr 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan, 14 ran.
Kerry's Blade (IRE) 8-1 (10-7) Behind, ridden 3 out, never able to challenge, 5th of 9, 35l behind Vingis Park (11-5) at Aintree 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gs in Nov.
