mid-division, outpaced 3 out, soon weakened
behind from 3rd, never dangerous
tracked leaders, headway to lead between last 2, ridden and rallied when headed briefly flat, stayed on towards finish
mid-division, outpaced 3 out, never on terms
led, ridden and headed between last 2, rallied to lead again briefly flat, no extra near finish
in touch chasing group, ridden 2 out, soon weakened
in touch chasing group, outpaced 3 out, no extra from next
behind, lost touch 4th, tailed off
tracked leader, mistake 5th, challenged after 3 out, one pace from next
mid-division, outpaced 3 out, soon weakened
in touch chasing group, lost place 3 out, soon weakened
mid-division, kept on from 2 out, never troubled leaders
An interesting novices' contest and although he wouldn't be a leading light at Seven Barrows, CRYSTAL ROCK might be good enough to get his nose in front, while Gifted Leader and Moonstreaker are among others with claims. Beginning with the selection and Nicky Henderson's gelding, whose sole success came on the flat when trained by Barry Hills, showed some decent form in context at Doncaster last month. He acts well on soft ground, is open to plenty of improvement after just two runs over hurdles, and he should go very well and hopefully win for us. Gifted Leader is rated in the 80s on the level, where he acts with cut, and he can surely find a fair bit of improvement for his Warwick hurdling debut last month, with this drop in trip looking a good move. Moonstreaker improved for his first run to be runner-up at Doncaster. He acts on the ground and looks sure to be involved once again. Munster Pride is an interesting runner after a two-year absence. Conditions won't be a problem and money for J P McManus's charge would probably be significant. Mister Stickler is another to note in the market on his debut in this sphere, but the vote goes to Crystal Rock.
Barron Watlass (IRE) 22-1 (10-12) Held up behind, effort on outside 7th, 8th when stumbled badly after 3 out, soon pulled up, in a race won by Milans Man (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Dec, 12 ran.
Crystal Rock (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) Held up mid-division and keen, headway approaching 3 out, kept on from last, 3rd of 13, 8l behind Farleigh House (10-7) at Doncaster 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.
Elliwan 125-1 (10-12) Always behind, 6th of 11, well behind Edge Of Town (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
Gifted Leader (USA) 14-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway 7th, under pressure 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 18, 18l behind Sandynow (11-0) at Warwick 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Jadalee (IRE) 25-1 (10-7) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, headway on inside well before 2 out, ridden and weakened soon after 2 out, 6th of 14, 11l behind Tito Bustillo (11-8) at Taunton 2m 1f nh nov hdl (3) sft in Dec.
Mister Stickler (IRE) 13-2 (11-1) Towards rear, ridden over 4f out, headway to chase leaders over 3f out, soon one pace, 4th of 15, 18l behind Barafundle (11-4) at Chepstow 2m NH flat (6) gd in Apr.
Moonstreaker 28-1 (10-9) Led, soon clear until 4 out, headed 2 out, rallied and every chance flat, stayed on towards finish, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Alasi (10-12) at Doncaster 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.
Munster Pride (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Held up, moderate 8th after 3 out, stayed on well from before last to go 2nd close home, 2nd of 15, 4 1/2l behind Farringdon (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4yo mdn hdl sft in Feb '08.
Rosbay (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, led after 4 out, jumped right 2 out, headed last, no chance with winner, 3rd of 12, 16l behind Washington Irving (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
Sixth Zak 9-1 (9-10) Always behind, last of 14, 40l behind Dimashq (8-13) at Ripon 1m 4f ldy hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Jun (flat).
Tzora 9-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, headway after 5th, chased winner 3 out, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 14, 12l behind Oscar Whisky (11-0) at Newbury 2m mdn hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Very Stylish (IRE) 100-1 (11-1) Chased leaders, weakened after 3 out, 7th of 15, 25l behind Rollwiththepunches (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (4) sft.
Zoenicibel 40-1 (10-10) Mid-division, headway 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Aibrean (10-10) at Sedgefield 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Nov, 10 ran.
Jeronimo Joe 14-1 (8-11) Towards rear, ridden 4f out, some headway over 2f out, never dangerous, 6th of 13, 13l behind Kyle Of Bute (8-11) at Leicester 1m 2f 3yo sll (6) gf in Oct (flat).
