chased leaders, pushed along approaching 14th, led after 4 out, headed next, rallied to lead last, driven out
led, hit 13th, headed after 4 out, led again 3 out, 3 lengths up when fell 2 out
in rear and keen, joined leaders 12th, hampered and left in lead 2 out, headed last, one pace
close up when blundered badly 2nd, in touch when blundered and unseated rider 6th
tracked leaders, struggling from 14th, pulled up after 3 out
Nonrunner
TWILIGHT EAGLE can take this prize from Sharajan and Nous Voila. Jonjo O'Neill's representative has the services of the champion jockey this afternoon and while the horse has shown a modicum of ability so far, a switch to less testing conditions could well work the oracle. Sharajan was a fair novice hurdler on his day. He has not proved to be the most proficient over fences so extensive schooling will need to have taken place. Nous Voila is 0 from 12 over fences. That said, he has won over hurdles when small fields have obtained. Lease Back has had training troubles hence the lack of appearances over the last two years. Victor Daly was hiked in the handicap for two successes last spring and is making a seasonal reappearance. Gallik Dawn has it to do. Twilight Eagle gets the nod.
Victor Daly (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Always handy, led approaching 11th until 4 out, ridden and weakened quickly, pulled up before 2 out pulled up 2 out in race won by Brooklyn Brownie (10-6) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-140 (2) gf in Jun, 18 ran.
Sharajan (IRE) 9-4fav (10-12) In touch, headed and mistake 2nd, remained prominent, left in lead 10th, headed 12th, hit 4 out, driven after 3 out, weakened from 2 out, 3rd of 8, 16l behind Firth Of Forth (10-12) at Warwick 3m nov chs (4) sft in Feb.
Lease Back (FR) 50-1 (11-7) Mid-division, ridden after 6th, weakening when bad mistake next, tailed off, 10th of 14, 49l behind Wise Men Say (10-4) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Feb.
Twilight Eagle (IRE) 9-2jt-fav (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 10th, ridden after 3 out, one pace, 4th of 10, 18l behind Phardessa (11-6) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy in Feb.
Nous Voila (FR) 25-1 (11-7) Held up in touch, chased leaders 11th, went 2nd 3 out, weakened last, 4th of 11, 6l behind Ballyvaden (11-9) at Leicester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs.
Gallik Dawn 14-1 (11-7) Mid-division, mistake 6th, behind from 15th, 9th of 14, well behind Alvino (12-4) at Ludlow 3m hts chs (5) gd in Feb.
