tracked clear winner, closer at 3rd, just over 1 length down and going ok when fell 3 out
raced keenly, made all, soon clear, reached for 1st, reduced lead 3rd, not fluent next, just over 1 length ahead when left well clear 3 out, not fluent next, dived last, unchallenged
unseated rider in paddock, held up last, left in modest 3rd 3 out, pushed along and no impression before next
tracked leading pair, left modest 2nd 3 out, pushed along and no impression before next, ridden and beaten between last 2
BRIANSTORM had run some solid races in defeat prior to drawing well clear of toiling rivals at Taunton in January. He’s rated 11lb higher than likely market rival Ar Mest, though Gary Moore’s charge appreciated the mud when getting the better of favourite Le Musee at Lingfield last month and he’s still learning his trade. It will be a surprise if either Top Decision or Black Buble find the improvement necessary to take a hand in the finish.
Ar Mest (FR) 9-4 (11-2) Raced keenly, chased leaders, 2nd before 4th, led going well before 2 out where went left, clear when went left again last, ridden out, won at Lingfield 2m mdn (4) hvy in Feb beating Le Musee (11-2) by 6l, 7 ran.
Brianstorm (IRE) 10-11fav (11-2) Prominent, went 2nd before 5th, led approaching 4 out, clear before 2 out, eased flat, won at Taunton 2m (4) sft in Jan beating Another Crick (11-2) by 31l, 10 ran.
Black Buble (FR) 8-1 (11-10) Always towards rear, never on terms, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out, at Chepstow 2m hcp (5) gs in Oct.
Top Decision (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Mid-division, ridden before 3 out, weakened before next, 7th of 10, 27 1/4l behind Ballymoy (11-4) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn (4) hvy in Feb.
