in touch, every chance over 3f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
led for 3f, chased leader, ridden 4f out, one pace after
tracked leaders, shaken up to lead over 1f out, drifted left inside final furlong, ridden out
tracked leader, led after 3f, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on
mid-division, headway 7f out, effort 4f out, weakened 3f out
towards rear, ridden 5f out, weakened 4f out
tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f
held up, headway 8f out, ridden and every chance over 3f out, one pace final 2f
mid-division, heaway 7f out, challenging when ran wide on bend 5f out, no danger after
The current incumbent of Barbury Castle, Alan King, can do very little wrong just and, as such, his representative Greenbridge is fancied to deliver in the bumper, with Go Johnny Go, Freeze Up and Merlin's Magic others to note in the betting. Merlin's Magic is from a top yard and is respected accordingly; even though Phillip Hobbs has been struggling for winners in this sphere of racing. He can only learn from this experience and is one for the future. Go Johnny Go handled the ground well on his debut at Haydock and created a favourable impression. There are several winners in his pedigree and he too is expected to start paying his way before too long. He looks the main threat to the selection on the evidence available. Freeze Up is an interesting one to note in the betting, as his yard have a solid record in races of this nature and this Irish import is certainly bred to make an impact at this game. However, Greenbridge was a real eye-catcher on his introduction at Hereford and, with that form setting the standard, this son of Luso looks the one to be on for the time being at this level.
Freeze Up (IRE) Presenting gelding out of winning hurdler Ballymacoda Lady.
Go Johnny Go (IRE) 7-2fav (11-0) In touch, ridden approaching 3f out, one pace, 3rd of 12, 11l behind Smart Tom (11-0) at Haydock 1m 5f nhf (6) hvy in Dec.
Greenbridge (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Held up in rear on outside, headway 7f out, every chance final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 11, hd behind Cave Hill (11-0) at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in Nov.
Imperial Silver Silver Patriarch gelding, half-brother to numerous winners up to 1m4f and over jumps.
Merlin's Magic (FR) Marathon gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Malmoos (USA) 16-1 (10-9) In touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace, 5th of 15, 13l behind Wipe Your Eye (10-5) at Newcastle 1m 6f nhf (6) sft in Dec.
Sabre Hongrois (FR) Ungaro gelding out of a moderate racemare.
The Flying Phenom 40-1 (10-2) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 11th of 13, 41l behind Quartano (10-12) at Exeter 1m 5f nhf (5) sft in Dec.
