chase leader to 8th, struggling 3 out, stayed on same pace from next
led, hit 8th, blundered and headed 4 out, stayed chasing winner, lost 2nd before last, one pace
track leaders, went 2nd 8, led 4 out, 6 lengths clear 2 out, weakening and joined run in, held on gamely near finish
held up last, not going well and struggling from 7th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out
raced in 4th, jumped left and driven 6th, well behind 3 out, stayed on under pressure from next, closed before last, joined winner run in, held near finish.
Barton Nic stands out here and should oblige with a clear round,with The Leader and maybe Silvergino worth considering for the runner's up spot. Paul Keane is a trainer on the up-and-up, and there is no doubting the fact that he has placed Barton Nic expertly to score twice over fences already this yea. The veteran has his winning partner Noel Fehily back on board after being ridden into second place by Andrew Tinkler in a conditionals' affair at Leicester just three days ago. He has to shoulder a seven-pound penalty for a victory over fences at Chepstow a week ago, but the veteran is still very well treated compared to his rating over hurdles, and with the ground and trip to suit, should be coaxed round to pounce and gain another win before the handicapper clobbers him further. The Leader is slightly better off at the weights with the selection but has 19 lengths to make up, and his attitude left a lot to be desired at the start of that particular race. Of the others, ex-Irish Silvergino has at least got time on his side at the age of five, but has not raced since August and makes his chase debut, so for the winner we return to Barton Nic.
