tracked leaders, went 2nd at 13th, effort after 2 out, ridden after last, stayed on under pressure to lead final 75 yards
tracked leader, lost place and behind from 7th, struggling 10th, blundered 4 out, plugged on to take modest 4th after 2 out, no chance with leaders
tracked leader, led 2nd, driven 3 out, ridden after last, kept on until headed and no extra final 75 yards
tracked leaders, mistake 6th, chased front pair 4 out, ridden after 2 out, kept on same pace, no impression
in touch on outside, outpaced 4 out, soon ridden and no impression, weakened from 2 out
led to 2nd, tracked leaders, outpaced 4 out, soon ridden and no impression, weakened from 2 out
NonRunner
There may only be seven runners in this but it looks quite competitive, though Kris Spin has been well beaten in both starts to date over fences. Final Nudge and Vinnie Red both won easily last time and can’t be ignored but Boa Island’s form has tailed off since he won twice at Wincanton in the autumn. Mustmeetalady is starting to slip down the weights but may need to drop a few more pounds before getting his head in front. VIEUX LILLE was second in the Tommy Whittle at Haydock in December and that looks the best piece of form on offer. He races off the same mark today so is preferred to Lessons In Milan, tried in cheekpieces today.
Final Nudge (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Left in lead after 2nd, headed briefly 7th, clear from 2 out, kept on well, won at Hereford 2m 5f hcp (3) hvy in Feb beating Nansaroy (11-1) by 8l, 7 ran.
Vieux Lille (IRE) 7-1 (11-6) Towards rear when leaving start, still there when in view after 5th, 7th and ridden when in view after 14th, 2nd 4 out, no impression on winner, 2nd of 16, 8l behind Yala Enki (11-12) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp (2) sft in Dec.
Lessons In Milan (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, struggling in last pair 12th, plugged on run-in, 5th of 13, 15 1/2l behind Belami Des Pictons (11-1) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Vinnie Red (IRE) 2-1fav (11-7) Keen, tracked leaders, every chance when hampered by loose horse 2 out, led next, ridden clear, won at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (3) gs in Dec beating Master Jake (11-8) by 11l, 10 ran.
Mustmeetalady (IRE) 6-1 (11-4) Towards rear, soon mid-division, went 3rd from 5 out, one pace from next, 3rd of 7, 16l behind Hainan (10-5) at Wetherby 3m hcp (3) gs in Jan.
Boa Island (IRE) 7-2fav (11-10) Chased leader until 4th, chased leading pair, awkward 9th, pushed along and lost 3rd before 3 out, weakened before next, 6th of 9, 20 3/4l behind Kerrow (11-8) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp (3) gd in Dec.
Kris Spin (IRE) 5-1 (10-12) Held up in touch in rear, jumped left 9th, not fluent next, 3rd from 11th, weakened before 3 out, 3rd of 6, dist behind Charmix (10-12) at Hereford 2m 5f (4) sft in Jan.
