made all, ridden approaching final furlong, kept on well
held up, headway halfway, stayed on final 2f
held up, weakened over 3f out
held up mid-division, weakened over 5f out
mid-division, struggling halfway
towards rear, pushed along halfway, soon struggling
mid-division, headway to chase leaders over 4f out, one pace final 2f
behind, pushed along halfway, soon struggling
held up, weakened halfway
always behind, virtually pulled up over 2f out
tracked leaders, beat when badly swerved left and unseated rider over 4f out
mid-division, weakened 6f out
with leaders, ridden 5f out, soon weakened
always behind
Etched In Stone has a penalty to overcome but can do so at the expense of Rathowen, Lethem Present and Alfie's Connection. Nicky Richards has acquired what could be a useful animal in Etched In Stone judged on his easy success at Cork in January. That came as no surprise as he had made his debut behind Publican at Galway in October before finishing a creditable fifth to Manners at Cheltenham the following month. He was earmarked for the Champion Bumper afterwards but instead was bought by the Davidsons, and with Rose on board taking off a handy seven-pounds, the investment should start to pay immediate dividends. The selection is by Roselier out of a Monksfield mare so will be one to follow when sent chasing on slower ground one day, but for now should have too much class for this lot anyway. Rathowen was a fair second at Hexham last time and can make the frame at least, while Lethem Present has scope but will need to improve under rules. Alfie's Connection finished fifth to Lennon at Musselburgh last time so should also be involved, but really there should only be one winner despite the ground and that is Etched In Stone.
Etched In Stone (IRE) 7-1 Led and clear, ridden and stayed on well from early straight, easily, won at Cork 2m nhf sft in Jan beating Ray Boy by 8l, 7 ran.
Rathowen (IRE) 12-1 Chased leaders, effort over 3f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, just held, 2nd of 18, shd behind Allegedly So at Hexham 2m nhf (H) gs in Apr.
Rossclare (IRE) 5-1 Behind, some progress on outer 6f out, no extra from 4f out, 8th of 14, 33l behind Dawadari at Down Royal 2m nhf gd in Sept.
Alfie's Connection 8-1 Held up, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous, 5th of 9, 35l behind Lennon at Musselburgh 2m nhf (H) gd in Feb.
Chantilly Passion (FR) Double Trigger gelding out of 1m-1m2f winner Chantilly Fashion.
Nycos des Ormeaux (FR) Sheyrann gelding, half-brother to winning chaser Ibycos.
Lethem Present (IRE) 7-2 2nd of 14, 3l behind The Babbler at Dalston 2m 4f ptp gd in Apr.
Brosie 33-1 Always towards rear, 14th of 18, well behind Powerlove at Perth 2m nhf (H) gs in Apr.
