raced in second throughout, pushed along on home turn, disputed 2 out, ridden when led just before last, ran on strongly run-in, always doing enough near finish
raced in share of third, still every chance until outpaced and hit 2 out, tired jump when hit last, soon weakened
held up last, hit 6th but remained in touch, took closer order before 2 out, soon struggling before last, weakened run-in
raced in share of third, keen early, ridden when switched right before 2 out, slightly short of room and edged right again before last, kept on but not pace of winner
led, slow jump 3rd, ridden before 3 out, awkward when hard pressed 2 out, headed just before last, soon dropped to third, kept on, game
Dual novice winner LOWRY’S BAR will likely improve further now handicapping and looks worth sticking with. But Javert Allen will be no pushover having finished runner-up at Ludlow on his handicap debut and return to action while both Skycutter and Out Of Focus ran well earlier in the month with the former’s effort at Bangor looking the stronger form. Legionar won a novice hurdle over a year ago now and returns to action having switched yards.
Lowry's Bar (IRE) 2-9fav (11-7) Prominent, led 2 out on bridle, asserted approaching last, cleared away run-in, easily, won at Chepstow 2m (4) sft in Nov beating My Lady Phoenix (10-7) by 6l, 7 ran.
Legionar (GER) 11-10fav (10-11) Tracked leaders, left 2nd at 6th, ridden to lead approaching last, ran on, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f (4) gd in Sep beating Sizing Mauritius (11-7) by 10l, 6 ran.
Skycutter (FR) 11-8 (11-12) Chased winner, pushed along home turn, ridden between last two, 2 lengths down last, stayed on same pace run-in no chance with winner, 2nd of 0, 1 3/4l behind Ballygeary (11-13) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Javert Allen (FR) 5-1 (11-8) Took keen hold, mid-division, slow 5th, closed after 4 out, chased winner after 3 out, switched left flat, held but stayed on, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Moveit Like Minnie (11-9) at Ludlow 2m hcp (4) gs in Oct.
Out Of Focus (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) Mid-division on outside, closed before 3rd, went 2nd 3 out until before last, went 2nd again flat, no impression on winner, 2nd of 10, 6 1/2l behind Milldam (11-12) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
