tracked leaders in 4th, ridden to chase clear pair after 4 out, kept on same pace, never able to get on terms
held up in last pair, struggling 4 out, never involved, pulled up
mostly tracked front pair, challenged 11th, led narrowly 3 out, headed after next, soon ridden and one pace, well held before last
jumped right on occasions, led, headed narrowly 3 out, led again after next, soon ridden, drew clear before last, stayed on well
pressed winner on outside, lost place after 11th, behind from 3 out
held up in last pair, driven after 4 out, went modest 4th before 2 out, kept on same pace, never threatened leaders
Henry's Joy recorded his only victory over hurdles around here and found only one too good over fences at Musselburgh earlier this month. Eureu Du Boulay made all to get off the mark over the larger obstacles at Catterick last week and should make a bold bid to defy the penalty. Virnon also has 7lb extra after scoring at Southwell 10 days ago while Knocknamona was more like his old self at Bangor recently. Paul Collins sent out last year’s winner and SOLID STRIKE, four times a winner between the flags, showed definite promise under Rules in the spring. Dropped a further 3lb ahead of his reappearance, he could be interesting if the market vibes speak in his favour.
Henry's Joy (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, not fluent last, stayed on to go 2nd close home, 2nd of 5, 1l behind John Williams (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Dec.
Bulls Head (IRE) 40-1 (10-4) Mid-division when fell 1st, at Carlisle 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Virnon 28-1 (11-7) Prominent, led 2 out, drew clear last, stayed on strongly, won at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec beating Generous Day (12-0) by 7l, 10 ran.
Eureu Du Boulay (FR) 7-2 (10-9) Made all, pushed 5 lengths clear 2 out, reduced lead last, ridden flat, stayed on, won at Catterick 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Dec beating Manwell (10-10) by 1 3/4l, 6 ran.
Solid Strike 6-1 (11-12) In touch, jumped right 7th, chased leaders halfway, hard driven 3 out, weakened flat, 3rd of 7, 7 3/4l behind Onderun (10-7) at Carlisle 3m 2f hcp (4) hvy in Apr.
Knocknamona (IRE) 5-2fav (11-7) Held up, headway 10th, tracked leader next until ridden 2 out, rallied to chase winner flat, 2nd of 7, 1 3/4l behind Nobel Leader (11-5) at Bangor 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Chain Of Beacons 6-1 (11-9) Keen early, tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, no extra flat, just held on to 3rd close home, 3rd of 5, 14 1/2l behind Monsieur Co (11-12) at Musselburgh 2m hcp (4) gd in Dec.
