mid-division, chased leaders 3 out, ridden approaching next, stayed on from last, not reached leaders
raced wide, with leader, led 3 out, ridden and hit last, kept on flat
chased leaders to 5th, soon lost place, tailed off when pulled up before 7th
chased leaders, ridden and lost place 7th, soon behind
always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
in touch, ridden to go 2nd approaching 2 out, kept on same pace under pressure approaching last
mistake 3rd, always behind, tailed off when pulled up before last
led on inside, headed 3 out, soon ridden, weakened from next
mid-division, outpaced 7th, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, weakened before 3 out
keen early, chased leaders, ou paced 3 out, 5th and beaten when hit next
keen early, chased leaders to 5th, soon behind
mid-division, outpaced 3 out, never dangerous
An interesting contest that should chiefly concern Buachaill Eile, Scotmail and Cloudy Lane, and we will take Buachaill Eile to score. Eric McNamara's gelding won easily at Limerick on debut, in spite of his jumping. Conditions here are also testing, the trip holds no fears, and a better round of hurdling would make him a more confident choice than he is. Scotmail stayed on well to land an ordinary event at Hexham last time and this step up in trip should suit. He could do no more than win after Cloudy Lane tipped up at the last, but that rival was also staying on and with a 7lb pull here then he may be capable of reversing the form if he can complete the course. There's little else of interest on what we've seen so far, but keep an eye on the market for Ferdy Murphy's debutante Bowes Cross, though Buachaill Eile will do for us.
Buachaill Eile (IRE) 25-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders in 5th, progress 4 out, 2nd next, led approaching straight, slight mistake 2 out, clear when mistake last, stayed on well, easily, won at Limerick 2m 3f mdn hdl hvy in Nov beating Bog Oak (11-12) by 6l, 13 ran.
Scotmail (IRE) 11-1 (11-0) Prominent, pushed along 2 out, ridden to lead last, stayed on strongly, won at Hexham 2m nh nov hdl (D) gs in Nov beating Arumun (11-0) by 5l, 13 ran.
Alderclad Lad (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, reminders 5th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Miss Jessica (10-9) at Sedgefield 2m 5f mdn hdl (E) gd in May, 13 ran.
Bohemian Brook (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) In touch, weakened after 3 out, tailed off, 8th of 11, well behind Planters Punch (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f nov hdl (E) sft in Nov.
Bowes Cross Environment Friend gelding out of Fenian Court.
Cloudy Lane 4-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway halfway, outpaced 2 out, rallied to challenge when fell at the last in race won by Scotmail (11-0) at Hexham 2m nh nov hdl (D) gs in Nov, 13 ran.
Colonel James (IRE) Invited gelding out of Carrignaveen Queen.
Dolans Bay (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 6th of 12, well behind Percussionist (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f nov hdl (E) sft in Nov.
Extra Smooth 12-1 (10-12) Held up, headway 7th, weakened 2 out, 6th of 16, 22l behind Mr Pointment (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (E) gs in Nov.
Howsham Lad 200-1 (10-12) Always well behind, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Mr Pointment (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (E) gs in Nov, 16 ran.
Kicking Bear (IRE) 50-1 (10-5) Mid-division, lost pace 3 out, soon tailed off, 8th of 9, well behind Best Profile (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hdl (E) hvy in Oct.
Scotmail Too (IRE) 100-1 (10-7) Towards rear, outpaced after 3 out, kept on approaching last, 5th of 13, 21l behind.
Square Dealer 66-1 (10-3) Always towards rear, 9th of 11, 42l behind Pinkerton Mill (10-8) at Carlisle 2m 1f nhf (H) gs in Mar.
Flemingstone (IRE) 80-1 (10-5) Mid-division, lost place 4 out, soon weakened, 11th of 17, well behind Cloudless Dawn (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (D) gd in Nov.
When Your Readyles (IRE) Oscar gelding out of Bellusis.
