made all, strongly pressed from 2f out, hard ridden final furlong, kept on gamely and in command final 110 yards
mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
always prominent, chased winner over 4f out, switched roght to stand rail over 3f out, every chance from 2f out, found no extra final 100 yards
soon pushed along towards rear, lost touch final 5f, tailed off
always behind, lost touch final 5f, tailed off
mid-division, pushed along 7f out, headway to 3rd 2f out, kept on same pace
chased winner to over 4f out, weakened over 3f out
Paul Nicholls won this in 2005 and 2006 and he can win it again with LIVINONEDGE who is taken to see off Cranaghmore Boy and newcomer Yukon Quest. The latter represents connections who have had plenty of success at the track and should be monitored for market support, however preference is for Livinonedge. A point-to-point winner at Athenry when last seen, this Flemensfirth gelding has his first start for Paul Nicholls this afternoon. A ¿90,000 purchase, this half-brother to Rebel Chief should run well if the market agrees. Monty's Revenge is a half-brother to the stables' Any Currency, Mzuri Bay is a stoutly-bred half-brother to Openide, whilst Robin De Vassey is another to consider given the success of the yard this season. Johann Sabestian is another to consider, however the jockey booking may be a hint to his chance today. The Ferbane Man shaped with promise at Bangor and cannot be dismissed too readily, along with Just One Thing and Crannaghmore Boy, all horses who have shaped with promise and represent Welsh-based trainers. The market should be informative in this finale, but preference is for Livinonedge.
Crannaghmore Boy (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, always front rank, ridden and no chance with winner final 2f, kept on for well held 2nd, 2nd of 13, 13l behind Adams Island (11-0) at Ffos Las 2m NH flat (6) gs.
Esarbe 100-1 (11-2) Held up, always towards rear, 10th of 15, 41l behind Double Dash (11-5) at Ludlow 2m cond NH flat (5) sft in Jan.
Johann Sabestian (IRE) Bach gelding out of Eskimo Kiss.
Livinonedge (IRE) 5-2 (11-7) Alw cl 3rd/4th, disp 2out, hdd bef last, rallied late to ld on line, won at Athenry 3m ire ptp in Mar beating Laneguy (11-7) by hd, 10 ran.
Monty's Revenge (IRE) Bob's Return gelding out of Native Bavard.
Mzuri Bay Arkadian Hero gelding out of Eyelet.
Robin de Vassy (FR) Robin Des Champs gelding out of Provenchere.
The Ferbane Man (IRE) 8-1 (10-11) Prominent, led over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, headed towards finish, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Life Long (10-11) at Bangor 2m 1f NH flat (5) sft.
Dollydo 40-1 (10-9) Held up in rear, struggling over 5f out, never near leaders, 5th of 9, 24l behind Amroth Bay (11-2) at Chepstow 2m NH flat (6) hvy in Nov.
Just One Thing (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Held up in last, raced keenly, ridden over 1f out, never near leaders, 5th of 7, 13l behind Wallace Monument (11-2) at Ludlow 2m NH flat (5) gs in Nov.
Yukon Quest (IRE) Ashkalani gelding out of Hidden Ability.
