mid-division, lost place 8th, headway to lead 12th, headed 2 out, ridden, one pace approaching last
held up, headway, in touch 8th, led 10th to 12th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before last
mistakes, tracked leaders, effort 4 out, ridden, outpaced approaching 2 out
mid-division, headway 12th, disputed lead 4 out, outpaced when switched right between last 2, weakened approaching last
mistake 1st, chased leaders until blundered, unseated rider 9th
mid-division, blundered, unseated rider 2nd
in touch, led 5th, headed 10th, soon lost place, weakened 3 out
mid-division when fell 2nd
hampered, dropped rear 2nd, lost touch 11th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
led to 5th, with leader until lost place 9th, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
soon detached in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 11th
tracked leaders, headway 4 out, led 2 out, drew clear approaching last, stayed on well, comfortably
Three horses with potential at the game are Akilak, Euro American and King Of Confusion and we give a narrow vote to Euro American. This 135 rated hurdler has taken on some decent types in three chases to date. He was going nicely last time before falling at the fourth last and if that hasn't dented his confidenece he should go very close this afternoon. Akilak has not really clicked as yet over the larger obstacles but is learning with each run and looks a big danger. King Of Confusion meanwhile was an eased down second on his chase debut behind Hard Act To Follow. That could turn out to be a decent type and Graham Lee's mount should be involved in the finish. The rest look a little out of their depth and so in what is a three horse war Euro American gets the decision.
Akilak (IRE) 6-5fav (11-4) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 4 out, hit 2 out, weakened after last, 4th of 7, 8l behind Morgan Be (11-4) at Ayr 2m 5f beg chs (4) hvy in Dec.
Berlin Bunker (IRE) (12-0) 3rd of 13, 5l behind Archies Lad (12-0) at Tyrella 3m ire ptp gd in Jan.
Euro American (GER) 3-1 (11-4) Held up, headway 11th, outpaced when fell 4 out in race won by Canada Street (11-4) at Kelso 3m 1f beg chs (4) sft, 10 ran.
Hold The Bid (IRE) 13-2 (11-1) Chased leaders, blundered 7th, outpaced after 3 out, rallied next, one pace, 5th of 13, 5l behind Oscar The Boxer (10-8) at Catterick 3m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Dec.
King of Confusion (IRE) 6-4 (11-0) Held up, hit 2nd, headway halfway, chased winner 11th, effort approaching 4 out, outpaced from next, eased flat, 2nd of 7, well behind Hard Act To Follow (11-0) at Wetherby 2m 7f beg chs (5) gd in Oct.
Michaels Joy (IRE) 40-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway 4 out, soon ridden, weakened next and pulled up in race won by Mount Clerigo (11-10) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hdl (D) sft in Jan '05, 12 ran.
Musical Chord (IRE) 200-1 (10-13) Jumped right throughout, led 2nd, weakened from 11th, 9th of 10, well behind Faasel (11-2) at Catterick 2m 3f beg chs (4) sft in Jan.
Old Feathers (IRE) 33-1 (11-3) In touch, lost place 5th, soon behind, last of 11, well behind Return Ticket (10-13) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Jan.
