tracked winner, outpaced from 3 out, plugged on and no impression
tracked leaders, chased winner from 4 out, no impression
towards rear, unseated rider 9th
in rear, mistake 2nd, outpaced from 4 out
towards rear, reminder after 11th, soon weakened, tailed off and pulled before last
made all, clear after 2 out
Top Ville Ben started off by winning a point, a bumper and two races over hurdles. He took on strong company last season but had problems jumping the hurdles so how he copes with fences will be interesting as he looks to have plenty of ability. Senor Lombardy has a similar winning record though hasn't has as much experience. He has done extremely well for a horse bred for chasing and should make a bold bid to add to his winning tally of point, bumper and hurdles victories. DONNA'S DIAMOND won five times over timber including a Grade 2 at Haydck in February on heavy going. He unseated his rider on his only start over fences two years ago but deserves another crack.
Blottos (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Pecked 2nd, behind, not fluent 5th, soon struggling, never a threat, last of 10, 31 1/4l behind Luckofthedraw (11-1) at Carlisle 2m hcp (3) gs in Oct.
Donna's Diamond (IRE) 3-1fav (11-12) With leader, chased winner before 2 out and every chance, kept on and always held from last, 2nd of 9, 2 1/4l behind Kris Spin (11-6) at Kelso 3m 2f hcp (2) hvy in Apr.
Nine O Three (IRE) 200-1 (11-2) Led until after 3rd, chased leaders, lost place 8th, tailed off 4 out, 11th of 13, dist behind Vinndication (11-2) at Carlisle 2m 4f (3) sft in Nov.
Senor Lombardy (IRE) 11-4 (11-3) Led, ridden before 2 out, headed last, not much room run-in, kept on, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Coole Hall (11-3) at Newcastle 2m 6f (2) sft in Dec.
Top Cat Dj (IRE) 50-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, lost place halfway, under pressure 11th, soon beaten, 6th of 8, dist behind King Golan (10-7) at Kelso 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Top Ville Ben (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) Led, fell 6th, at Ayr 2m 5f hcp (2) gd in Apr.
