led, awkward 4 out, ridden before 3 out, challenged before 2 out and kept on gamely, headed 2 out, kept on but never getting to winner
held up last, rapid headway to track leader before seventh, took lead travelling strongly 2 out, went clear before last, eased close home, easily
held up, nudged along 5 out, ridden before 3 out in detached last, finished tailed off
raced handy, ridden 3 out, stayed on one pace
ARMATTIEKAN is best served by a sharpish track on good ground and is effective at trips from two to two and a half miles, so it's understandable that Donald McCain sends him to Somerset from Cheshire. He's solid and consistent into the bargain and rates the safest option. Jarlath receives 10lb from the selection when the allowances of their respective riders are not factored in but still needs to improve according to the formbook, whilst Butterwick Brook hasn't been competitive during the last year and maybe will improve in line with the recent good form of his stable. Fearless Fracas unseated on his sole chase outing and is therefore hard to evaluate.
Butterwick Brook (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, lost place 2nd, well beaten from 4 out, 6th of 7, 35 3/4l behind Hawthorn Cottage (11-7) at Warwick 3m hcp (4) gd in May.
Armattiekan (IRE) 6-4fav (12-1) Mid-division on outside, not always fluent, went prominent 7th, every chance 3 out, went left 2 out, held flat, kept on, 2nd of 7, 3 1/4l behind Eagle Ridge (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Oct.
Fearless Fracas (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Unseated rider 1st, at Kempton 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Jarlath 11-2 (10-12) Chased leaders, went 2nd 9th, led 12th until ridden and headed before 2 out, lost 2nd 2 out, plugged on in 3rd, no chance with leading duo, 3rd of 7, 15 1/4l behind Hamilton Dici (11-1) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Nov.
