held up in rear, in touch, mistake 9th, went 2nd next, jumped right and led 4 out, clear approaching 2 out, awkward last, soon hung left, easily
led, jumped slowly 4th, headed 4 out, weakened before 2 out, mistake last
tracked leader, under pressure 3 out, kept on, no chance with winner
held up towards rear, in touch, under pressure 11th, soon detached, pulled up 13th
held up towards rear, under pressure 11th, soon beaten
tracked leader, not fluent 3rd, soon towards rear, headway 12th, weakened approaching 4 out, pulled up next
tracked leader, pushed along before 4 out, weakening when hit 2 out
Rydal Park has been in unstoppable form of late and the seven-year-old gets the nod to beat his older rivals, of which Forget The Ref looks the biggest danger. The selection was impressive when winning at Towcester last time out, beating Murphy's Cardinal by four lengths. He will not mind the longer trip today, as the difference is negated by the differing tracks. His tendency to jump out to his right will not trouble too much on this right-handed course and another big run is expected. The field is full of promising Novice Hunters' and Thatmakestwoofus won well last time and should have no problem with the forecast quick ground, whilst Winapenny needs to perform better than when last seen. Ballyowen used to be with Pam Sly, and has made up into a fair chaser, but his previous efforts on a racecourse proper leave something to be desired. Jilted Lover had an easy outing recently at Horseheath and proved his well-being, and looks a major player, however it is Rydal Park who is fancied to land this opener.
Rydal Park (IRE) 9-4 (11-7) Tracked leaders, led 9th, mistake 2 out, jumped right when challenged last, ran on, won at Towcester 2m 6f hts chs (6) gs in Apr beating Murphy's Cardinal (11-12) by 4l, 8 ran.
Ballyowen (IRE) 14-1 (12-0) Led 6; r.o wl, won at High Easter 3m ptp gf in Apr beating Jazz Attack (12-0) by 4l, 12 ran.
Jilted Lover (IRE) 2-1 (12-0) Trckd ldrs; led 2 out; easy, won at Horseheath 3m ptp gd in Mar beating Halcyon Times (12-0) by 6l, 9 ran.
Perfect Prefect (IRE) 12-1 (12-0) Held up; lost tch aft 14; pulled up in race won by Forget The Ref (11-7) at High Easter 3m ptp gd in Mar, 6 ran.
Thatmakestwoofus (IRE) 7-2 (12-0) Held up; hdwy 13; led cl home, won at High Easter 3m ptp gf in Apr beating Mid Div And Creep (11-7) by a shd, 10 ran.
Winapenny (IRE) 3-1 (12-5) In tch; chsd ldrs 11; wknd u.p app 2 out, 7th of 12, 34l behind Ballyowen (12-0) at High Easter 3m ptp gf in Apr.
Forget The Ref (IRE) Evensfav (11-7) Hdwy 14; led 4 out; sn clr; rdly, won at Marks Tey 3m ptp gs in Apr beating Good Vintage (12-0) by 3l, 8 ran.
