led, headed 9th, tracked leader, led again 11th, clear from after 4 out
tracked winner, led 9th, headed and blundered 11th, left 2nd 5 out, no impression from after 4 out
tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd when fell 5 out
A very weak race and it is only tentatively that GILSLAND is preferred to Inverlochy Lad and Texas Holdem. Donald McCain is not in the best form of late but this gelding has shown enough to suggest that he can pick up a race of this ilk. He had every chance when falling three fences out at Newcastle last time out and his previous third to Quentin D'Ex reads ok, despite that horse's subsequent failure. This quicker ground may help with his fencing and he should run well from the front. Former point-to-point winner Inverlochy Lad looks to have been well-placed as he travels across from County Antrim for this race. His best form over in Ireland came on good ground and he should go close with Keith Mercer a good jockey booking. Texas Holdem is now 11 and he needs a market check on this first start for 459 days. His one previous chase outing when trained in Ireland resulted in a heavy defeat and he has plenty to prove today, although the ground is in his favour. Isla Pearl Fisher completes the line-up and this average hurdler wasn't completely disgraced on a recent chasing bow at Kelso and he should strip fitter for that run. Gilsland gets the vote, but not with much confidence.
Gilsland (IRE) 9-2 (11-8) Prominent, made most from 4th until fell 3 out, in a race won by Blazing Diva (10-8) at Newcastle 3m hcp ch 0-110 (4) hvy in Feb, 9 ran.
Inverlochy Lad (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Led, headed after 1st, 2nd halfway, led approaching 3 out, ridden and headed entering straight, no extra in 3rd 2 out, kept on same pace, 5th of 9, 21l behind Kimberlite King (11-9) at Fairyhouse 2m 5f beg chase in Feb.
Texas Holdem (IRE) 40-1 (11-7) Mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression, 4th of 15, 36l behind Viper (11-5) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Dec '08.
Isla Pearl Fisher 40-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, mistakes throughout, weakened from 3 out, tailed off, 4th of 6, 45l behind Mr Preacher Man (11-0) at Kelso 3m 1f beg chase (4) sft in Feb.
