tracked leaders, ridden before last, soon chased winner, kept on and held towards finish
in touch, in 4th, headway 8th, challenged 4 out, ridden 3 out, led 2 out, kept on towards finish
led, ridden before 4 out, headed before 2 out and mistake and unseated rider 2 out
tracked leader, ridden before 2 out, no extra run-in
in rear, pushed along 10th, weakened 4 out
NonRunner
THE DUTCHMAN won over these fences on last month’s chasing bow but was no match for the smart Aux Pitts Soins when third at Kelso last time. This looks easier, however, and he’s just preferred to Palm Grey. The latter has won twice at Carlisle recently and was a long way ahead of Captain Redbeard last time. Oldgrangewood scored at Kempton last month and was still going well when brought down at Aintree. He makes more appeal than Newberry New while though Dig Deeper was placed in both starts over fences last year but has not raced since.
The Dutchman (IRE) 3-1 (11-6) Tracked leader until before 4th, reminder halfway, ridden to chase winner after last, kept on and lost 2nd place towards finish, 3rd of 5, 2 3/4l behind Aux Ptits Soins (11-1) at Kelso 2m 7f (3) gs in Dec.
Oldgrangewood 4-1jfav (11-8) Held up towards rear, mistake and not much room 3 out, closed next, tracking leaders when brought down 4 out, at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Dec.
Palm Grey (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, led 6th, headed 3 out, regained lead last 50 yards, kept on, won at Carlisle 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Dec beating Revocation (10-9) by 1l, 9 ran.
Captain Redbeard (IRE) 12-1 (11-1) In rear and reminders, effort before 4 out, never dangerous, 4th of 9, 20 1/4l behind Palm Grey (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Newberry New (IRE) 50-1 (10-7) In rear and in touch, outpaced before 4 out, chased winner before 2 out until run-in, no extra, 3rd of 4, 11 1/2l behind Its'afreebee (11-7) at Wetherby 2m 3f (3) gs in Dec.
Dig Deeper 33-1 (11-1) Prominent, led 10th until 11th, ridden after 5 out, no impression on winner from 2 out, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 5, 4 1/2l behind Aubusson (11-1) at Uttoxeter 3m (4) hvy in Dec.