tracked leaders, took keen hold, chased winner after 8th, mistake 1oth, soon weakened, tailed off, pulled up before 3 out
held up in rear, mistakes 4th and 6th, closed next, weakened after 10th, pulled up soon after
led and raced wider than rivals, jumped right, awkward 1st, headed 6th, mistake 7th, led again approaching 8th, hit 10th, stayed on well to come clear from last
tracked leaders, reminders after 4th and after next, blundered 9th, not fluent next, weakened 2 out
tracked winner, led 6th until before 8th, weakened next, tailed off
held up in rear, closed 7th, headway approaching 9th, not fluent 10th soon went 2nd, 1 length down when stumbled slightly last, soon beaten
SIMPLY SMASHING won the Durham National at Sedgefield before landing a hunter chase on the same track. He's unlikely to get the thorough test of stamina he needs here but the opposition is so poor that a hat-trick looks likely. Candleford has shown a glimmer of ability but it's Eimears Oscar, a recent winner between the flags in Ireland, who may prove the main threat.
Andy Vic (IRE) 20-1 (10-10) Took keen hold, held up in touch, ridden and weakened from 2 out, 4th of 11, 20l behind Rain Stops Play (10-10) at Sedgefield 2m 4f am nov hdl (4) gf.
Candleford 12-1 (11-0) Prominent, hit 3 out, not much room and stumbled on bend approaching 2 out, soon beaten, mistake last, 4th of 11, 30l behind Scriptwriter (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gf in Apr.
Simply Smashing (IRE) 1-5fav (12-3) Made all, soon clear, kept on well from 2 out, won at Sedgefield 3m 3f hts chs (6) gd beating Elusive Swallow (11-4) by 14l, 4 ran.
Tears From Heaven (USA) 20-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, mistake 5th, soon reminders, never dangerous, 8th of 11, well behind Scotswell (11-11) at Sedgefield 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf.
The Bravetraveller (IRE) 33-1 (10-10) Tracked leader and keen, lost place before 5th, 8th of 11, well behind Rain Stops Play (10-10) at Sedgefield 2m 4f am nov hdl (4) gf.
Eimears Oscar (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, headway into 7th 4 out, 5th next, progress in 4th when bad mistake 2 out, no extra and weakened, 8th of 14, well behind Annie May (11-2) at Kilbeggan 2m 4f mrs beg chs gf in Apr.
