tracked winner, not fluent 6th, narrow lead when fell 3 out
led, reminders after 9th, driven along after 4 out, narrowly headed when left well clear 3 out, in command when jumped slowly last, driven out
tracked leading trio, mistakes 13th and next, struggling after, left poor 3rd 3 out, tailed off
tracked leading pair, not fluent 2nd, hit 14th, outpaced after 4 out, left modest 2nd and hampered 2 out, tried to rally from last, held towards finish
Nonrunner
MEALAGH VALLEY can spring a surprise here and upset the likely more favoured Zemsky and Cast Cada. Zemsky has proved something of a disappointment over fences and was a beaten favourite last time. He has a fine chance at the weights, but at the likely odds he looks worth opposing. Cast Cada has a similar profile in that he has not gone on from a promising hurdling career and translated that into performing over the bigger obstacles. His recent efforts in defeat have looked only reasonable and he too may not represent value. Mealagh Valley showed ability over hurdles, winning his maiden, and he relished the challenge of fences on his chasing bow recently, chasing home Gilsland, the pair clear. The winner has won again since, and although nine-years-old, Mealagh Valley is lightly raced and this progressive type can score at a nice price.
Billie Magern 20-1 (11-9) Mid-division, lost place after 7th, no danger after, 7th of 12, 32l behind Swansbrook (11-2) at Ascot 2m 3f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (3) sft in Jan.
Cast Cada (IRE) 7-4 (11-0) Tracked leader, took closer order 5th, led 10th, headed 2 out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 6, 2 3/4l behind Marc of Brilliance (10-7) at Fontwell 2m 6f beg chase (4) gd.
I'm The Decider (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Mid-division, not fluent 2nd, headway approaching 12th, jumped slowly next, stayed on to press leaders last, no extra towards finish, 4th of 12, 2 3/4l behind Mont Present (11-0) at Worcester 2m 7f beg chase (4) gd.
Zemsky (IRE) 15-8fav (11-0) Held up in touch, headway to go prominent when mistake 4th, led 11th, soon headed, remained pressing, led approaching 4out, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened flat, 4th of 9, 10l behind Heathcliff (10-11) at Ludlow 3m beg chase (4) gd in Feb.
Mealagh Valley (IRE) 7-4 (10-9) Chased winner from 11th, challenged approaching last, kept on, held towards finish, 2nd of 4, 3/4l behind Gilsland (11-5) at Uttoxeter 3m nov chs (4) gf in Apr.
