tracked leaders, closed 4 out, led before next, ridden and headed narrowly before last, pressing winner flat, stayed on, just held
led until not fluent 3rd, tracked leader, jumped right 7th, outpaced before 3 out, weakened from 2 out
held up, last from 5th, weakened after 7th, pulled up before 3 out
took keen hold, tracked leader, led 3rd, not fluent 4 out, headed approaching 3 out, weakened next
held up in rear, not fluent 2nd or 6th, headway before 4 out, went 2nd approaching 3 out, shaken up to lead, edged left and led before not fluent last, driven out flat
BALLYCRYSTAL, who won a bumper here in February, made an impressive start over hurdles at Sedgefield. His stable continues in great form and he may be capable of giving the weight away to The Unit, who has been a bit disappointing so far though did look ready for a step up trip last time at Kempton. Our Reward is probably a bit exposed but has William Featherstone's claim in his favour and is easily preferred to Lightning Steps and Desert Nova.
Ballycrystal (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, went 3rd before 2 out, went 2nd from 2 out, led before last, kept on well, won at Sedgefield 2m 5f (4) gd in Oct beating Shanroe In Milan (10-12) by 4 1/2l, 11 ran.
Our Reward (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) Led, ridden and headed after 2 out, no extra flat, 5th of 8, 7 1/2l behind Geordie Des Champs (11-4) at Aintree 2m 4f (4) gs in Nov.
Desert Nova (IRE) 200-1 (10-12) Held up, towards rear, reminders after 4th, soon tailed off, pulled up before 7th, at Sedgefield 2m 5f (4) gd in Oct.
Lightning Steps 125-1 (10-12) Always behind, weakened 4 out, 9th of 11, dist behind Sam Spinner (10-12) at Newcastle 2m (4) gs in Nov.
The Unit (IRE) 2-1fav (11-12) Held up, in rear, headway 2 out, soon chasing leaders, kept on well closing stages, nearest finish, 3rd of 7, 2 1/4l behind Herons Heir (11-7) at Kempton 2m hcp (4) gd in Nov.
