attempted to make all, joined 3 out, ridden and headed next, soon no impression, dropped to moderate 3rd at last
tracked leader in 2nd, disputed lead travelljng well 3 out, led 2 out and soon went quickly clear, eased inside final furlong, stayed on strongly, impressive
tracked leaders in 4th, ridden from 4 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before 2 out
raced 6th, ridden from 3 out, went moderate 5th entering straight, no impression
tracked leaders in 5th, went moderate 3rd and pushed along 3 out, went 2nd at last, kept on steadily without threatening easy winner
tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden and weakened from 3 out
Last year's Grand National third Seabass makes his long awaited reappearance on his way to another crack at Aintree and though he's won over the minimum trip over fences he's unlikely to have the pace for this even in testing conditions. Make Your Mark is another returning after a long absence and would also prefer a longer trip as an entry in the World Hurdle suggests. He was in touch for much of the way when behind Simonsig at Cheltenham and may not lack speed though ROCK CRITIC holds a fitness advantage which may prove crucial. A maiden winner over timber at the Galway Festival, he finished close up in two Listed races on the Flat in the autumn and should be cherry ripe before heading for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Musawama ran poorly on heavy ground at Tramore last time and may find the going against him.
Make Your Mark (IRE) 15-2 (11-7) In touch in mid-division, took keen hold, hampered on bend after 4 out, closed 3 out, went 2nd briefly after 2 out, no impression in 4th before last, weakened flat, 7th of 17, 34l behind Simonsig (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in Mar.
Rock Critic (IRE) 4-7fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, led 3rd, clear 3 out, reduced advantage next, eased clear again entering straight, not extended, won at Galway 2m mdn hdl sft in Aug beating Flying Light (11-12) by 11l, 18 ran.
Musawama (IRE) 12-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders, closer in 3rd after 5 out, no impression in 3rd from before 2 out, no extra from before last, 4th of 5, 39l behind Starkie (11-12) at Tramore 2m nh nov hdl hvy in Dec.
Count Salazar (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Always prominent, in front after 8th, pressed and slight mistake 2 out, clear before last where slow jump, strongly pressed run-in and just held on, won at Tramore 2m 5f hcp chs 0-109 hvy in Dec beating Torremuelle (9-8) by ns, 8 ran.
Seabass (IRE) 8-1fav (10-12) Always prominent, hit 7th (foinavon), joined leader going well after 3 out, led after 2 out, headed last, ridden and rallied approaching elbow, 3rd and held final 75 yards, 3rd of 40, 5l behind Neptune Collonges (11-6) at Aintree 4m 4f Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (7yo+) (1) gd in Apr.
Valley View Lady (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) last of 8, well behind Carrigeen Lonicera (11-2) at Fairyhouse 2m mares n h flat hvy in Jan.
