tracked leaders in 3rd, led after 5 out, pressed from 2 out, headed before last, lost 2nd place towards finish
mid-division, mistakes throughout, never dangerous, pulled up
held up towards rear, headway before 4 out, blundered 2 out when challenging, kept on and went 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner
towards rear, plugged on from 4 out, never dangerous
in rear, mistake 1st, never a factor
mid-division, in 5th when fell 5 out
with leader, led 7 out, headed after 5 out, led before last, kept on well
mid-division, headway 10th, badly hampered and unseated rider 5 out
led, mistake and headed 7 out, weakened from 5 out
Just Don't Ask is from last year’s winning stable and won over track and trip in January. But he disappointed at Newcastle the following month and hasn’t been seen since. Kapgarry showed some promise over fences at Warwick but was still well beaten while Valhalla went backwards last season, though this may be his time of year. Oak Vintage was successful off a higher mark last year but tends to do all of his winning at minor tracks. WEST TO THE BRIDGE (NAP) was averse to restraint on his chasing bow at Carlisle but still made late gains. He has bags of scope and a race like this should be within his capabilities.
Just Don't Ask (IRE) 10-3 (11-10) Tracked leaders, ridden before 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 8, dist behind Ascot De Bruyere (11-2) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Feb.
Cave Top (IRE) 3-1 (11-5) Led, headed when blundered 10th, rallied after next, mistake 5 out, weakened after next, last of 6, dist behind Pain Au Chocolat (11-10) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Apr.
West To The Bridge (IRE) 11-2 (10-12) Held up in rear, blundered 4th, headway after 3 out, chased leaders last, kept on same pace flat, 4th of 7, 4l behind The King Of May (10-12) at Carlisle 2m hcp (3) gs in Oct.
River Frost 8-1 (11-0) Close up, ridden and outpaced 4 out, last of 4, 31 1/4l behind Tonto's Spirit (11-12) at Sedgefield 2m (4) sft in Oct.
Manwell (IRE) 8-1 (11-9) Held up in rear, pushed along after 9th, went 4th after next, struggling 4 out, ridden after next, never pace to get involved, 4th of 5, 25l behind Cap Du Nord (10-11) at Sedgefield 2m 5f hcp (2) gs in Mar.
Valhalla (IRE) 6-1 (11-9) Chased leaders on inside, close 3rd 5 out, weakened 3 out, 7th of 8, 28 3/4l behind Graceful Legend (12-0) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
Kapgarry (FR) 9-2 (11-12) Jumped right at times, towards rear, not much room 1st, headway 5th, ridden after 4 out, one pace from 2 out, no extra flat, 3rd of 8, 18 1/4l behind Anteros (11-1) at Warwick 3m hcp (4) gf in Sep.
Cougar's Gold (IRE) 12-1 (11-3) 2nd until 7th, 2nd after 11th, upsides when left in lead and hampered 4 out, soon headed, left 2nd after 2 out, no impression on winner, 2nd of 10, 8l behind Cap St Vincent (11-4) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Oak Vintage (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Pressed leader, led 7th, headed and not fluent next, led 10th, headed 3 out, hit 2 out, weakened last, 4th of 7, 16 3/4l behind Flying Verse (11-8) at Stratford 2m 7f hcp (4) gs in Oct.