raced keenly, tracked leaders, took wrong course after bypassed 7th, effort 3 out, challenged next, left 14 lengths clear last, stayed on (disqualified for taking wrong course)
hampered 1st, behind, struggling 6th, tailed off from 4 out, finished 7th and last (placed 2nd)
chased clear leader to 5th, outpaced when took wrong course after bypassed 7th, soon weakened (disqualified for taking wrong course)
prominent, chased clear leader 5th, took wrong course after bypass 7th, lost place 2 out, left 14 lengths 2nd last, soon weakened, lost 2nd flat (disqualified for taking wrong course)
badly hampered and lost place first, behind, struggling 6th, never dangerous (awarded race)
in touch when fell 1st
led and soon clear, took wrong course after bypass 7th, driven and hard pressed 2 out (disqualified for taking wrong course)
mid-division, struggling 6th, took wrong course after bypass 7th, kept on under pressure to chase winner flat (disqualified for taking wrong course)
in touch when brought down 1st
mid-division, outpaced when carried on to wrong course after bypass 7th, soon struggling behind when blundered 2 out (disqualified for taking wrong course)
SIRKEEL can land the opener at the main expense of Seraphin and Grand Opera. The selection was a little disappointing last time out when connections opted for a change of tactics on him. However, he had previously been in good form and this consistent 7-year-old certainly deserves to score. He will handle this ground and he looks to have been found a good opportunity to get his head in front. Seraphin is another that will go on the ground but he was a little disappointing at Down Royal last time. He remains unexposed so he is not one to write off just yet, but he does have a few questions to answer at present. Grand Opera has got some fair flat form but he was well beaten on his only try over hurdles last year and this testing ground is unlikely to suit. Stormin Exit is a consistent sort and he is closely-matched with our selection on their running here last month. He is another to enter calculations, but Sirkeel is better than he showed last time and he looks a good bet.
Etxalar (FR) 40-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, weakened 7th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Tazbar (11-11) at Haydock 3m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gs in Feb '08, 7 ran.
Grand Opera (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Always towards rear, beaten from 4 out, 8th of 13, 41l behind Marsam (11-13) at Musselburgh 2m nov hdl (3) gd in Feb '08.
Minus Three (IRE) 40-1 (10-13) Always towards rear, tailed off, 18th of 20, well behind Paradis de Thaix (11-4) at Down Royal 2m 4f 6yo mdn hdl hvy in Feb.
Rowdy Rampage (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Led until after 2nd, chased leader, hit 5th, weakened approaching last, 6th of 14, 11l behind Scolboa Music Man (11-3) at Ayr 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) sft in Feb.
Seraphin (FR) 20-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, headway to 2nd 4 out, ridden in 5th 2 out, no extra, kept on one pace, 6th of 20, 26l behind Paradis de Thaix (11-4) at Down Royal 2m 4f 6yo mdn hdl hvy in Feb.
Sirkeel (FR) 4-1 (10-12) Behind, pushed along halfway, stayed on from 3 out, 3rd of 14, 3l behind Scolboa Music Man (11-3) at Ayr 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) sft in Feb.
Stormin Exit (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Chased leader, led after 2nd, chased winner approaching 3 out until no extra from last, 4th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Scolboa Music Man (11-3) at Ayr 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) sft in Feb.
Easter Vic 80-1 (10-4) In rear, ridden approaching 3 out, took moderate 4th towards finish, never dangerous, 4th of 6, 33l behind Grizebeck (11-4) at Ayr 3m nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Maolisa (IRE) 50-1 (10-7) Mid-division on outside, lost place 15th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Overlady (10-2) at Sedgefield 3m 3f mdn chs (4) hvy in Jan, 10 ran.
Mrs Burke (IRE) Beneficial mare out of Deep Serve.
