made all, drew clear on bit on long run to 2 out, unchallenged, canter
jumped slowly and detatched in rear 2nd, close up 5th, went left next, soon struggling, tailed off 3 out
tracked leaders, hampered 6th, switched outside before next, not fluent 8th, went 2nd before 3 out, soon ridden, no chance with easy after, tailed off
tracked winner until outpaced in clear 3rd 3 out, no chance with front pair after, tailed off
tracked winner, hit 5th, lost place when mistake 7th, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
JONNIESOFA was beaten less than a length when contesting a much stronger race over course and distance three weeks ago. He only gave best close home and should be able to hang on today, despite giving weight to his rivals. Winning pointer Bertalus could be interesting stepping up in distance after two runs over 2m but Deputy Commander was beaten 23 lengths when runner-up at Chepstow and needs more. Australasia was second three times in bumpers but makes his debut over timber today and hasn't raced since June.
Jonniesofa (IRE) 6-1 (11-3) Led to 3rd, pressed leader, led again approaching 2 out, soon hard pressed, ridden and headed flat, kept on, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Ballydine (11-3) at Newcastle 2m 6f (2) sft in Nov.
Australasia (IRE) 9-4jfav (11-3) Led briefly, tracked leaders, pushed along over 5f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 7, 1 3/4l behind Micklegate Run (11-7) at Hexham 2m (6) gd in Jun.
Deputy Commander (IRE) 6-1 (10-12) Tracked leader, ridden and one pace after 3 out, soon no impression with front pair, well beaten in 3rd when left modest 2nd at last, 2nd of 14, 23l behind Tapaculo (11-5) at Chepstow 2m 3f (4) hvy in Dec.
King Of The Dark (IRE) 10-1 (12-0) Held up; hdwy 12; one pce 3 out, 3rd of 9, 6 1/2l behind Knocklong (12-0) at Alnwick 3m in Dec.
Raymond Reddington (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Led, headed over 4f out, weakened over 3f out, last of 5, dist behind Myztique (11-2) at Musselburgh 2m (6) sft in Dec.
Bertalus (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Held up behind, headway after 5th, not fluent next, one pace from 2 out, weakened run-in, 4th of 9, 18 1/4l behind Draytonian (10-12) at Wetherby 2m (4) sft in Nov.
