tracked leader, led 5th, pressed from 14th, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, pressed leader from 14th, led 2 out, stayed on
in touch in rear, went 3rd 14th, ridden and hit 2 out, no impression
led, hit 3rd, headed 5th, with leader when hit 10th, ridden 13th, soon weakened, behind when pulled before 15th
Nonrunner
ETHIOPIA has been put up 8lb for his win at Chepstow earlier this month but Bob Buckler's charge has won off higher marks in the past and has every chance of reversing earlier C&D running with Present A Star on 16lb better terms. The latter has since finished behind Whatever Next at Lingfield and his best form is on a softer surface. Casual Garcia was entered to run in a novices' handicap here on Sunday while The Iron Giant was probably flattered by his third at Stratford eight days ago.
Whatever Next (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Prominent, jumped slowly and outpaced 4 out, went 3rd 2 out, stayed on flat, no impression on front pair, 3rd of 8, 7l behind Sole Agent (11-6) at Lingfield 3m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Mar.
Ethiopia 9-1 (11-3) Led until 2nd, tracked leaders, mistake 14th, led approaching 5 out, headed before last, rallied flat to get back up post (no time taken), won at Chepstow 3m 2f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd beating Midnight Diamond (10-8) by shd, 8 ran.
Present A Star (IRE) 8-11fav (10-1) Tracked leaders, mistake 8th, ridden and outpaced approaching 4 out, weakened next, 5th of 8, 31l behind Sole Agent (11-6) at Lingfield 3m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gs in Mar.
The Iron Giant (IRE) 4-1 (10-2) Tracked leader, took keen hold, not fluent 12th or 13th (water), ridden approaching 4 out, 3rd 2 out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 4, 3 1/2l behind Katalak (11-12) at Stratford 3m 4f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gf.
Casual Garcia 40-1 (11-9) In rear, not fluent 3rd, clipped heels before bend after 11th, in touch 12th, soon ridden, lost touch after 14th, tailed off when pulled up before 5 out, in a race won by Ethiopia (11-3) at Chepstow 3m 2f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd, 8 ran.
