chased leader, led 4th, mistake 2 out and last, pushed out flat
held up in touch and keen, ridden to chase winner 2 out, stayed on, no impression
led until 4th, jumped slowly next, hit 3 out, weakened next, 3rd and beaten when blundered badly last
held up in touch, steady headway from 8th, went 2nd and hit 3 out, soon ridden, weakened before 2 out
In a weak contest, The Pennys Dropped can make a winning reappearance over the fitter Old King Coal, with Ballyrobert worth a mention as well. Although it would be unwise to take too short a price about Jonjo O¿Neill¿s six-year-old, the son of Bob¿s Return may be able to make his mark against three moderate rivals. The trainer reports that he jumps well at home but is still green. With that in mind, a few of these type of events will show him what the game is all about. He should really be lining up with a win over hurdles to his credit, but he came down three out with the race at his mercy at Bangor in February. Old King Coal has already had two outings over fences, but made mistakes at Haydock and will need to improve, while Ballyrobert has shown nothing so far. Formal Bid has won twice over hurdles and has reportedly schooled well over the bigger obstacles. He must go right-handed so will not mind this track. For the winner, we return to The Pennys Dropped in the colours of J P McManus.
