led, headed before 7th, not fluent 8th, mistake 4 out, not fluent 3 out, closed 2 out, not fluent last, went 2nd flat, no impression on winner
chased leader, led before 7th, ridden after 3 out, headed before last, no extra flat
soon well behind
chased leaders, went long at 4th, lost place 7th, weakened 4 out
held up, went 3rd 6th, went 2nd going strongly 4 out, led before last, quickened clear flat, eased close home
raced in 5th, jumped stickily early stages, went 4th before 4 out, not fluent 3 out, closed briefly 2 out, no extra last
This looks an above-average beginners’ chase for the time of year. BALLYMOY (NAP) was easily the best of these over hurdles, winning a Grade 3 at Ascot in January. He goes well fresh and likes some give in the ground so should win if his jumping proves up to scratch. Dan Skelton won this last year and Nube Negra won twice over timber. He found it tough last year in handicaps but will have had plenty of schooling and shouldn’t be far away. Commanche Red has won bumpers and hurdle races and has been quite lightly raced so is also interesting while Equus Amadeus was very consistent over the smaller obstacles, though may have preferred a quicker surface. The latter remark also applies to Thistle Do Nicely.
Ballymoy (IRE) 3-1 (11-7) In last and never travelled, mistake 4 out, ridden and beaten 3 out, tailed off, eased, last of 6, dist behind Vision Des Flos (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 3f (1) gs in Feb.
Commanche Red (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) Mid-division, chased leaders 3 out, driven before next, never on terms, weakened and pulled up before last, at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Dun Bay Creek 33-1 (11-2) Led until 7th, weakened next, pulled up before 4 out, at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (5) gd in Jul.
Equus Amadeus (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) Held up in 4th place, closer order 4th, ridden in 3rd before 2 out, plugged on in 4th from last, 4th of 9, 10 1/4l behind Fiesole (10-5) at Plumpton 2m hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Nube Negra (SPA) 13-2 (10-7) Tracked leaders, went 2nd before 3 out, effort next, soon ridden and one pace, lost place before last, no impression after, 6th of 14, 10 1/2l behind Verdana Blue (11-10) at Ayr 2m hcp (1) gd in Apr.
Thistle Do Nicely (IRE) 11-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, went 2nd on long run to last, pecked on landing last, hung left and unable to trouble winner, 2nd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Dashel Drasher (11-8) at Cheltenham 2m 4f (2) gd in Apr.
