held up in 4th, lost place 3rd and droppped to last pair, pushed along after next, went right and in rear 7th, soon struggling, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
led, clear 5th, reduced lead before 2 out, joined 2 out, headed between last two, stayed on same pace flat
chased leader until before 3rd, chased leading pair, pushed along before 4 out, lost 3rd before next, weakened after 3 out
took keen hold early, chased leading pair, not fluent 2nd, 2nd before 3rd, challenged 2 out, soon hung right, shaken up to lead between last two, driven clear flat
raced wide, held up in last pair, headway 3rd, 3rd before 3 out, driven along after 3 out, soon one pace and no chance with leading duo
held up last, 5th from 7th, pushed along before 4 out, went modest 4th well before 2 out
Ballycoe has plenty to find on bare form to date but the fact he represents the champion trainer suggests he's held in some regard, whilst Parish Business is definitely of interest, seeking the three-timer after looking a progressive animal when taking an Aintree handicap last time. His yard is in good form too at present, whilst cases can be advanced for Bally Beaufort, Hunt Ball and Pleasant Company, all of whom could be of interest this term. However, FLETCHERS FLYER is taken to improve on his debut third over hurdles when only beaten a length by the progressive Shantou Bob at Ffos Las. That was a good contest for the track and the Fry charge may well have won but for bungling the final flight. He's a surefire improver and will also appreciate the additional 2f now.
Ballycoe 9-4fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, not fluent before going 2nd 4 out, challenged 3 out, led last, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Worcester 2m 7f mdn hdl (5) sft in Oct beating Castle Cheetah (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Parish Business (IRE) 17-2 (10-9) Made all, clear last, eased towards finish, won at Aintree 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Oct beating Solway Sam (10-0) by 9l, 16 ran.
Bally Beaufort (IRE) 5-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 9th, weakened after 4 out, tailed off, 5th of 7, well behind In The Rough (11-6) at Cheltenham 3m 1f nh nov hdl (3) gs in Oct.
Fletchers Flyer (IRE) 5-4fav (11-0) Led, clear before 3 out, reduced lead next, 1 length up when mistake last, hung right and headed flat, no extra and dropped to 3rd inside final 100 yards, 3rd of 11, 1l behind Shantou Bob (11-0) at Ffos Las 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gs in Oct.
Hunt Ball (IRE) 2-1fav (11-4) In touch, jumped slowly at times early stages, went 3rd 16th, taken wide and went 2nd briefly before 3 out, no chance with winner, soon back in well held 3rd, 3rd of 5, 23l behind Menorah (11-10) at Sandown 2m 6f lst chs (1) gs in Apr.
Pleasant Company (IRE) 10-11fav (11-3) Took keen hold, made most until headed before 2 out, lost 2nd soon after 2 out, soon weakened, left poor 4th and blundered last, 4th of 9, 37l behind Liberty One (11-3) at Exeter 2m 3f nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.