led to 3rd, chased leader until lost place 12th, soon behind
in touch, chased leader 14th, ridden and mistake 2 out, ran on well flat, not reach winner
chased leaders, mistake and lost place 13th, soon behind
chased leaders, mistake 12th, outpaced 3 out, kept on under pressure flat
towards rear, headway 12th, ridden and weakened 3 out
tracked leader, headway to lead 13th, ridden clear approaching last, tired towards finish, held on
not jumped well, always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
mid-division, lost place 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
soon behind, mistake 10th and next, tailed off when pulled up before 13th
soon in touch, led after 3rd, headed 13th, ridden to chase leaders 2 out, ran on flat, no impression
mid-division, lost place 8th, tailed off from 3 out
The Merry Mason may be a step ahead of the handicapper and can account for Caislean Ui Cuain, Palisander and The Penny's Dropped. Quite a few of these have disappointed in the past, not least The Penny's Dropped who has plenty of ability but often fails to show it on the racetrack. He has enough weight here to oppose him despite Tony McCoy's presence in the saddle. The Merry Mason in contrast, showed plenty of resolution when grinding out a victory at Towcester in May, after which he was sent to the sales. He has been given a couple of months to bed in at Sue Smith's Bingley yard after leaving Malcolm Jefferson, and should give a good account with his stamina not in question. Irish raider Caislean Ui Cuain gained a narrow victory over timber here in May and has form over fences in his native land so should give the selection most to do. Palisander meanwhile was a beaten favourite at Hexham last time but remains fairly weighted, unlike Croc An Oir. If The Merry Mason shows the same attitude as at Towcester, he should be able to cope with this very different track and can outstay his rivals, many of whom have question marks against them.
