mid-division on outside, closed 5th, lost place after 11th, soon behind, pulled up before 4 out
led until 2nd, chased leaders, challenged 4 out, led next, not fluent 2 out, stayed on well, clear towards finish
held up in rear, not much room 3rd, not fluent 7th, plugged on from 4 out, went 4th flat, never dangerous
mid-division, headway before 8th, blundered 12th, weakened before 4 out
mid-division, mistake 3rd, weakened 4 out, pulled up before next
held up in rear, headway from 11th, every chance 2 out, held by winner flat, stayed on same pace
held up towards rear, headway 8th, pecked 11th, weakened before 4 out
took keen hold, led 2nd, headed 9th, led next, headed 3 out, no extra next
prominent, led 9th, headed next, every chance 4 out, 3rd and no extra last
Competitive fare in which KAPGARRY is a hopeful choice. He has been disappointing the last twice in decent chases at Newbury and Ascot but prior to those runs had scored with plenty in hand at this venue over this trip and ground. Back to a mark of 124, he'd have a solid claim if rediscovering that level of form. Nuts Well has found form with a vengeance after a quiet period but the Hamilton gelding is now over a stone higher in the weights as a result, A good run is anticipated nevertheless. The Dubai Way should also get involved after winning over course and distance in the past and it's well worth noting Pistol Park in the market on his return to action after a lengthy lay-off. Clan Legend and King's Odyssey are not ruled out either.
Winter Escape (IRE) 20-1 (11-8) Mid-division, closer behind leaders 4 out, 4th next, ridden entering straight, no extra before last, weakened run-in, 11th of 27, 25 1/4l behind Roaring Bull (10-9) at Leopardstown 3m hcp sft in Dec.
Nuts Well 10-1 (11-12) In touch, headway 4 out, every chance next, led before 2 out, strongly challenged towards finish, just held on, won at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp (2) gs in Jan beating Cracking Destiny (10-11) by hd, 14 ran.
King's Odyssey (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear of mid-division, never on terms, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out, at Sandown 3m hcp (2) sft in Jan.
The Dubai Way (IRE) 5-2fav (11-12) Chased leaders, driven after 5 out, ridden after next, never going pace to challenge, weakened 2 out, 5th of 7, 22 3/4l behind Geronimo (11-9) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Pistol Park (FR) 7-4 (11-12) Chased leader until 4 out, weakened before 2 out, last of 3, 33l behind Raise A Spark (11-11) at Ayr 2m hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Clan Legend 14-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, lost places 5 out, rallied 3 out, ridden and kept on one pace, 3rd of 10, 7 1/4l behind Billingsley (11-5) at Haydock 2m hcp (3) hvy in Jan.
Kapgarry (FR) 9-1 (10-4) Raced wide and jumped right, chased leader until 5th, chased leaders, ridden and outpaced after 13th, left modest 4th next, weakened 3 out, 8th of 11, 35 3/4l behind Burbank (10-12) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Niven (IRE) 7-2 (10-11) Led, driven 3 out, headed last, no extra closing stages, 3rd of 5, 3 1/2l behind Katpoli (11-3) at Wetherby 1m 7f hcp (2) sft in Jan.
Bollin Ace 3-1 (11-6) Led, narrowly headed when left in lead 9th, joined 3 out, headed next, stayed on same pace run-in, 2nd of 6, 8l behind Ballyarthur (11-8) at Perth 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Apr.
