tracked leaders, front pair clear before 5th, effort from next, went 5 lengths 2nd when mistake 2 out, closed and challenged last, soon led, ridden out
took keen hold, led, jumped right 3rd, headed 3 out, 3rd and beaten 2 out, one pace
tracked leader, led 3 out, not fluent when 5 lengths clear 2 out, driven and edged left before joined last, soon headed, stayed on
held up, not fluent and lost touch 6th, well tailed off 3 out
Nonrunner
Anteros has faced some very stiff tasks since winning a couple of times at Ffos Las in May of last year. He might do better here but has a double penalty to contend with. Mister Fizz was outclassed in a Grade 1 at Aintree last time but his defeat of Southfield Vic at Ludlow in November worked out well and he should go close in this. RISK A FINE could be capable of much better if he'd learn to settle. If allowed his head on this quicker ground, Philip Hobbs' novice could leave these trailing and is preferred to Simply The West, who was odds-on when beaten in a lesser contest at Plumpton and may be ready for a longer trip.
Anteros (IRE) 33-1 (11-1) Towards rear for most, ridden and no impression 2 out, kept on one pace from before last, 8th of 16, 16l behind Jimmy Two Times (10-13) at Fairyhouse 3m nov hcp hdl sft.
Risk A Fine (IRE) 3-1fav (11-10) Raced keenly, dived at 5th, led until 3 out, chased winner, kept on same pace and no impression, 2nd of 9, 2 1/4l behind Party Palace (10-4) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Mar.
Simply The West (IRE) 5-6fav (11-5) Held up, headway 9th, went 3rd next, ridden to chase winner 2 out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 9, 9l behind Blue Bear (10-12) at Plumpton 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gs in Mar.
Warrigal (IRE) 3-1fav (9-12) Took keen hold in touch, led over 1f out, soon hard pressed, kept on well under pressure, won at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) in Aug beating Cousin Khee (10-0) by 3/4l, 9 ran (flat).
Mister Fizz 66-1 (11-4) Tracked leader, joined 5 out, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened, 7th of 12, 31l behind Nichols Canyon (11-4) at Aintree 2m 4f nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gd.
Picodean 11-1 (11-0) Jumped slowly in rear, detatched after 3rd, pulled up before last, in a race won by Oh Land Abloom (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 5f mdn hdl (5) gd, 12 ran.
