led to 2nd, tracked leaders, hit 8th, led again approaching 3 out, headed 2 out, hit last, soon weakened
tracked leaders and keen, ridden after 4 out, weakened next
mid-division, headway after 4 out, ridden and weakened after 3 out, pulled up before last
led 2nd, hit 4 out, headed approaching next, weakened 2 out
mid-division, weakened approaching 3 out
tracked leader, ridden after 4 out, weakened 2 out
always towards rear, hit 2nd, pulled up before 2 out
in touch, hung left and lost place and hit 7th, ridden after 4 out, no impression from next
always in rear
always behind, pulled up before 2 out
held up in touch, chased leaders 4 out, led 2 out, kept on well, driven out
mid-division, headway 4 out, every chance 2 out, one pace from last
The shortlist consists of Custom Design, Duke Of Stradone and First Try, with the vote going to the first-named. Sedgefield bumper winner Custom Design has a likeable profile for this modest race ahead of his hurdling debut and has to be considered, while Duke Of Stradone, who ran well here in bumpers last season, represents the Irish stable of Shane O'Donohoe which has done so well with its raiders to these shores this season, so watch the betting. First Try showed plenty of promise in his sole bumper run, being beaten a neck by Malt de Vergy, while Luthello has been lightly campaigned but has certainly shown enough to suggest he could go well. Bumper winner Arctic Moss has not yet built on that promise over hurdles, while Olmetta is bred to be better than she has so far shown, but needs to set about proving it. Overall, then, the vote stays with Custom Design.
Cooldine Lad (IRE) 20-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 6th of 14, well behind Glasker Mill (11-11) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Duke Of Stradone (IRE) 25-1 (10-13) Tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 14, 10l behind New Dancer (10-8) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (6) gf.
First Cry (IRE) 7-4fav (11-4) In touch, headway 4f out, led over 2f out to over 1f out, kept on, 2nd of 14, nk behind Malt de Vergy (11-8) at Kelso 2m nhf (H) gf in May.
Ley Preacher (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Held up mid-division, ridden and weakened after 3 out, behind when fell 3 out in race won by Numero Un de Solzen (10-11) at Carlisle 2m 4f nh nov hdl (E) sft in Nov, 10 ran.
Overnight 50-1 (10-12) Held up and pulled hard, joined leader after 3f, ran wide after 4f, virtually pulled up halfway, tailed off, last of 13, well behind Stolen Moments (11-2) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Top Brass (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Always towards rear, ridden, lost touch from 8th, 10th of 11, well behind Some Touch (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m 4f mdn hdl (F) gf in Dec.
Arctic Moss (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, headway and close up 4 out, weakened approaching 3 out, 10th of 17, well behind Woodford Consult (10-4) at Newcastle 2m mrs mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Custom Design 5-1 (11-11) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, soon no impression, 3rd of 14, 7l behind Topwell (10-12) at Catterick 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
