led, ridden and headed before 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leader, led before 3 out, soon clear, stayed on strongly
tracked leaders, ridden before 3 out, chased winner before 2 out, one pace
in rear and in touch, went 3rd before 2 out, one pace
The handicapper rates BACK TO THE THATCH 4lb higher than Chepstow winner Imperial Bay and Henry Daly’s charge ran well under a penalty at Bangor after beating the useful Scotchtown at that track earlier. He can give the weight away to Lovenormoney, even though the latter will appreciate this step up in trip having already won between the flags. Mr Love is a likely improver and preferred to Goodgirlteresa and former pointer King Killer.
Back To The Thatch (IRE) 9-4 (11-4) Held up in 5th, closer in 4th place approaching 4th, 2nd 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on same pace approaching last, 2nd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Gray Day (10-12) at Bangor 2m 7f (4) sft in Jan.
Lovenormoney (IRE) 5-4fav (11-6) Tracked leaders, 3rd 3 out, soon driven and no impression, one pace, 3rd of 9, 13 1/2l behind Mr Mcgo (11-12) at Chepstow 2m 3f (4) hvy in Jan.
Mr Love (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Held up in last pair, pushed along and struggling after 3 out, plugged on from 2 out, went modest 4th last, never involved, 4th of 8, 20 3/4l behind Ballymalin (11-12) at Kempton 3m (3) gs in Jan.
Goodgirlteresa (IRE) 16-1 (10-10) Mid-division on inside, pushed along and weakened before 3 out, 9th of 18, 20 3/4l behind Lamanver Odyssey (10-10) at Exeter 2m 3f (4) gs in Dec.
Imperial Bay (IRE) 3-1 (11-6) Made all, strongly pressed from 3 out, awkward next, stayed on gamely to assert run-in, won at Chepstow 3m mdn (4) sft in Jan beating Dashing Perk (11-6) by 4l, 9 ran.
King Killer (IRE) 6-1 (12-0) Hdwy 14; wknd app 3 out, 3rd of 9, 24l behind Northgeorge (12-0) at Black Forest Lodge 3m mdn in Nov.
