tracked leaders, every chance 2 out until after last one pace
in touch, hit 6th, chased leaders from 7th, led approaching 3 out, soon headed, weakened next
held up, ridden and weakened approaching 4 out, pulled up after
held up towards rear, smooth headway approaching 3 out, soon led, challenged 2 out, kept on from last
led, headed after 4 out, ridden and weakened
tracked leader, ridden to lead after 4 out, headed approaching 3 out, weakened next
held up in rear, ridden and weakened 4 out
Nonrunner
Asian Royale has finally begun to find the winning thread and will take a lot of beating here despite having to race off a mark 13lb higher than last Saturdays rating. Placed on four occasions before putting back to back wins together, reservations had emerged with regard to his resolution having travelled well in previous contests before emptying but the step up in trip appears to have brought about marked improvement. He could be called a long way out at Fairyhouse and connections have opted to come here instead of taking up other engagements. Their decision can be vindicated. Big Fella Thanks is the unknown quantity. Having created a huge impression in Irish point-to-points, he has landed two moderate contests in Britain this season. While the trip will be right up his street, he could just be vulnerable on drying conditions against a horse with a turn of foot and chasing is likely to be his game next season. The English handicapper has certainly not taken any chances with Hold The Pin, rated 111 in Ireland but racing here off 126. His jumping was his undoing at Fairyhouse when he jumped left in the straight, forfeiting a lot ground in the process. Testing conditions are what he appears to revel in and the market is should be watched with him hailing from the Tony Martin yard. Tank Top appeared to be unsuited by Warwick's configurations last time but battled on gamely behind a horse who has failed to frank the form. An interesting opener to festival and Asian Royale is selected to land it for Charles Byrnes.
Big Fella Thanks 3-10fav (11-4) In touch, led 3 out, clear next, stayed on strongly, won at Taunton 3m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan beating Reidwil (10-12) by 9l, 14 ran.
Honour High 2-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, hit 3 out, challenged 2 out, led narrowly last, asserted near finish, won at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gs in Mar beating Swordsman (11-10) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Quarry Town (IRE) 13-2 (11-4) In touch, mistake 7th, slightly hampered 2 out, ridden when switched left approaching last, slightly hampered last, every chance flat, no extra, 4th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Pocket Aces (11-4) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Mar.
Asian Royale (IRE) 9-2 (10-10) Held up in touch, smooth headway after 4 out, 3rd travelling well after 3 out, mled approaching 2 out, soon clear, eased after last, won at Fairyhouse 3m hcp hdl 0-123 gs beating Limestream (10-5) by 2l, 16 ran.
Tank Top 11-4 (11-2) Prominent, led 2nd, headed approaching 7th, chased winner before 2 out, no extra flat, 2nd of 14, 3 1/2l behind Tamadot (11-2) at Warwick 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) hvy in Mar.
Mr Preacher Man 11-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, outpaced 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 10, 40l behind Boris The Blade (10-4) at Hexham 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy in Mar.
Galant Nuit (FR) 5-1 (11-8) Held up, outpaced 7th, headway under pressure 3 out, stayed on well flat, 3rd of 10, 3 1/2l behind My Arch (11-5) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Mar.
Hold The Pin (IRE) 7-4fav (11-6) Held up, smooth headway halfway, jumped left 3 out, 3rd next, disputing lead travelling best when jumped badly left and headed last, ran on, 2nd of 19, 1 1/2l behind What Odds (10-8) at Fairyhouse 3m 1f hcp chs 0-116 gs in Mar.
