towards rear, struggling 5th, soon lost touch, pulled up before 7th
tracked leaders, pushed along 8th, ridden and effort 2 out, one paced under pressure
in touch, headway to chase leaders 8th, soon ridden and effort, kept on same pace
midfield, weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up before last
behind from halfway, soon tailed off
led, headed approaching 8th, ridden and effort approaching last, kept on same pace
midfield, headway 5th, led 2 out, driven out
towards rear, reminders 2nd, soon lost touch, pulled up before 6th
held up towards rear, pushed along approaching 7th, ridden and weakened before next, tailed off when pulled up before last
tracked leaders, pushed along 8th, driven and effort 2 out, stayed on to chase winner flat
in touch, ridden and weakened approaching 7th, tailed off when pulled up before last
tracked leaders, hit 6th, led approaching 8th, headed 2 out, weakened flat
An open look to the opener on the card, with both Sireric and Grattan Lodge likely to be vying for favouritism. The former has been a fine servant to his connections, having won around the course three times. He will also relish both the going and the trip, so he has to be on the short list. However, he has not won off such a mark in five years, and at 13 he may just find one too good for him here. That one could be Grattan Lodge. Granted the handicapper has not missed his 12 length win from Tony The Piler at Carlisle last time out, but he comes from a stable going well, loves the ground and looks a progressive type who may well be able to defy a 10lb rise for that latest win. There is no reason to think that he will not handle this course at the first time of asking and he is the selection to complete a hat-trick. Course and distance winner Mr Christie could pose a major threat after coming back to form when second at Haydock last time. Another who will relish the cut under his hooves, the 11-year-old has won on heavy three times and is well capable of winning off his present mark. He could give the selection most to do, but might just be vulnerable to a progressive younger opponent. Forest Ivory is another veteran involved in the race, and he is without a win since 1997. However, that does not exclude him from winning this, though he is more likely to be be fighting for a runners-up spot. Second to Sireric over course and distance in December, he runs off the same mark here and once again, wherever that rival is, Warren Marston's mount should not be too far away. Ferdy Murphy's yard has been back in form recently and Blue Irish - yet another 'old stager' - has his first run since the stable realy started to fire. Dropped 5lbs after being thrashed in the same race won here by Sireric, he has been freshened up by a short break, but even though he will also appreciate bottomless ground, it would be a bit of a surprise if he were good enough to come back and win this. Of the remainder, Trooper perhaps makes most appeal. However, despite his consistency, he does still look to be exposed.
