tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden before 2 out, no impression on front pair
held up in touch, chased winner from 5th, one pace and no impression from before 2 out
tracked leader, weakened before 2 out
in rear, headway before 2 out, soon went 4th, no impression
held up towards rear, pushed along before 7th, soon struggling, tailed off
made all, jumped slightly left, clear before last, kept on well
held up towards rear, pushed along after 3 out, soon weakened, fell 2 out
Shays River hasn't been seen since finishing third in a Gowran bumper for Elizabeth Doyle two years ago but, such is the dearth of serious opposition in this, the eight-year-old has to go on the short-list. However, we just prefer COUNT GUIDO DEIRO, unraced since finishing third in an Irish point-to-point a year ago but likely to be fully wound-up. Sergeant Dick, a winning pointer, was fourth at Chepstow last month and easily looks the best of those with previous hurdling experience. He's unlikely to be far away.
Aldiva 100-1 (11-2) Always behind, 7th of 12, 47l behind Wilton Milan (11-6) at Southwell 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Count Guido Deiro (IRE) 6-1 (12-0) Pr, 2nd 1/2way, ld app str, hdd 2out, no extra and dropped to 3rd run-in, 3rd of 10, 8l behind Rock Me John (12-0) at Monksgrange 3m ire ptp gs in Mar '12.
Flame Of The Glen 20-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, headway 7f out, weakened 3f out, 5th of 8, 40l behind Heronshaw (10-9) at Uttoxeter 2m NH flat (6) hvy in Nov.
Handford Henry (IRE) 100-1 (11-2) Always towards rear, tailed off before 5 out, 9th of 12, 50l behind Wilton Milan (11-6) at Southwell 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Rogue Dancer (FR) 100-1 (10-11) Took keen hold, always towards rear, tailed off, 10th of 14, well behind Shernando (11-2) at Huntingdon 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd.
Sergeant Dick (IRE) 33-1 (11-3) Led 1st, headed before 4th, tracked winner, lost place approaching 3 out, kept on same pace, weakened last, 4th of 15, 19l behind Annacotty (11-0) at Chepstow 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Shays River (IRE) 8-1 (12-0) Always prominent, no impression under pressure in 3rd and kept on same pace from 2f out, 3rd of 16, 10l behind Starling Force (11-9) at Gowran Park 2m N H flat sft in Mar '11.