Donald McCain continues to fire in the winners and WHISKEY CHASER looks another for the yard. A comfortable winner over 2m7f on heavy going at Haydock last month, when Sharney Sike pulled up, he was stepping up markedly in trip and grade on a return visit three weeks later and ran well for a long way. The Orange Rogue won here a year ago on heavy going but has struggled from his new mark subsequently while Orioninverness has fallen on his last three visits here. Purcell's Bridge has been running poorly since scoring on heavy ground at Haydock in March though is well handicapped on that form.
Rock Of Leon 80-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, blundered 12th, headway on inside approaching 4 out, weakened 3 out, blundered next, 8th of 9, 17l behind Acdc (11-4) at Ayr 3m hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Whiskey Chaser (IRE) 9-2 (10-8) Held up towards rear, headway 17th, 3rd 4 out, mistake and weakened 2 out, 5th of 9, 28 1/2l behind Emperor's Choice (11-4) at Haydock 3m 3f hcp (2) hvy in Dec.
The Orange Rogue (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Held up in touch, lost place 5th, badly hampered 7th, detached from 8th, tailed off, pulled up after 5 out, at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Purcell's Bridge (FR) 14-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, headway before 5 out, weakened before 2 out, 8th of 9, dist behind Finaghy Ayr (10-4) at Carlisle 3m hcp (2) sft in Dec.
Wings Of Smoke (IRE) 12-1 (10-4) Held up in rear, headway to chase leaders 3 out, every chance last, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 7, 1 3/4l behind Grand Vision (11-12) at Lingfield 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Sharney Sike 8-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, pushed along 11th, not fluent 12th, weakened 14th, pulled up before 4 out, at Haydock 2m 7f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Orioninverness (IRE) 7-1 (10-5) Mid-division, headway before 4 out, chased leaders when fell 3 out, at Ayr 3m hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Alfred Oats 18-1 (10-0) Held up towards rear, headway before 3 out, ridden 2 out, one pace and no impression, 6th of 10, 7l behind Lochnell (10-13) at Ayr 3m hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
