tracked leader, led after 4 out, ridden and under pressure approaching last, headed flat, no extra towards finish
held up in touch, headway approaching 4 out, went 2nd approaching next, ridden to challenge when not fluent last, kept on to lead flat, held on well
tracked leaders, outpaced and lost place 8th, headway to go 3rd approaching 2 out, no impression
led, headed after 4 out, weakened 3 out
tracked leaders, reminders after 5th, mistake next, weakened from 4 out
ADAMS ISLAND is our idea of the most likely protagonist with Universal Soldier and Hopeful Start entering calculations. The six-year-old found the very testing ground at Haydock not to his liking but he had disposed of a useful sort of Paul Nicholls' in Aiteen Thirtythree previously, and on this drop in grade, he should bounce back to form. Universal Soldier was something of a rare bird in that he was a big priced winner for Nicky Henderson at Ffos Las. This race is tougher though he is likely to have curried plenty of favour with the locals for his exploits. Hopeful Start has progressed against handicappers and is a threat. His better form has obtained on a softer surface so the market may just tell us what to expect. Alaska View and Our Columbus have it to prove on recent evidence whilst Wricksons Bridge seems completely outclassed. Adams Island is the biggest player in this race and we seek not to oppose him.
Adams Island (IRE) 7-4fav (11-8) Led, headed approaching 3rd, led again approaching 7th, headed approaching 3 out, weakened from next, 4th of 7, 30l behind Wymott (11-8) at Haydock 3m 1f nov hdl G2 (1) sft in Feb.
Hopeful Start (IRE) 6-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, steady headway 6th, challenged on bit approaching last, led and not fluent at hurdle, shaken up, eased when clear, won at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy in Feb beating Viking Blond (10-13) by 4l, 11 ran.
Universal Soldier (IRE) 18-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, steady headway soon after 3 out, tracked leader soon after next, led and mistake last, drew clear flat, won at Ffos Las 2m 4f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (4) gs in Feb beating Silver Token (10-13) by 4 1/2l, 11 ran.
Alaska View (IRE) 20-1 (11-3) Led until after 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 5th of 9, 16l behind Barafundle (11-9) at Warwick 3m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Wricksons Bridge (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Prominent, pushed along and lost place from 5th, tailed off from 5 out, pulled up before 4 out, in a race won by Richard's Sundance (11-0) at Exeter 3m beg chs (4) sft in Dec, 8 ran.
Our Columbus (IRE) 5-1 (12-0) Twrds rr of mid div, 10th & pushed at 6th, 9th 5out, bhnd when fell 3out, in a race won by Passing Through (12-0) at Avaune 3m ire ptp in Dec, 17 ran.
