tracked leader until mistake 13th (water), jumped slowly and lost place next, well beaten from 17th
tracked leader, led 4 out, 3 lengths clear 2 out, ridden out
tended to jump and hang left, led until not much room 4 out, no extra next
held up in touch in last, closed 14th, challenged 4 out, ridden next, 3 lengths down 2 out, held after, stayed on
NonRunner
Course winner Minellahalfcentury is eased in grade and is joined in the starting line-up by former stablemate Cowards Close. Ruapehu only has a pound more than when successful in this 12 months ago while Fight Commander is best going right-handed so also comes into the equation. KILBREE KID (NAP) was much more like his old self when third at Ludlow last time. He's thrown in on his best form and can continue his stable's good run with victory, though Ballyknock Lad is capable of running well fresh.
Minellahalfcentury (IRE) 11-4jfav (11-12) Tracked leaders, not fluent 3rd, went 3rd at 14th until after 4 out, soon struggling in 4th, weakened quickly and pulled up before 2 out, at Newton Abbot 3m 2f hcp (3) sft in Apr.
Ballyknock Lad (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Held up mid-division, pushed along before 4 out, weakened before next, 9th of 15, 35 1/4l behind Harry Hunt (11-3) at Doncaster 3m hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Ruapehu (IRE) 20-1 (11-1) Led, not fluent 6th, headed 16th, lost place before 19th, well beaten 3 out, 9th of 16, dist behind Any Currency (11-12) at Cheltenham 3m 4f hcp (3) gs in Apr.
Kilbree Kid (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Held up, mid-division, headway 5 out, every chance 2 out, kept on, 3rd of 11, 7 3/4l behind Bucking The Trend (11-10) at Ludlow 3m hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Fight Commander (IRE) 3-1fav (11-11) Chased leaders, took closer order 11th, mistake next, effort after 4 out, weakened before last, 4th of 7, 10 1/2l behind Solstice Son (11-6) at Fontwell 3m 1f hcp (4) gd in Mar.
Cowards Close (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Led, headed 11th, rallied to lead again 13th, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, pulled up 2 out, at Market Rasen 3m hcp (4) sft in Apr.