led, not fluent 7th, soon pushed along, headed before 3 out, weakening when left in 3rd next
chased leaders, headway to lead approaching 2 out, stayed on well
tracked leader, led approaching 3 out, headed before next, kept on same pace
chased leaders, took keen hold, under pressure in 3rd when blundered and unseated rider 2 out
Bestiarius made a winning start in a bumper and ran well for second at Newcastle on his hurdling bow. But he’ll need to improve further if he’s to get the better of WALT. The latter won at Fontwell earlier and finished a close-up third at Wincanton on his latest start. A conditional’s allowance negates a penalty and he has plenty in hand on these terms with Lough Derg Jewel, a winner at Kelso at the end of last year but well beaten since. Some Invitation won over hurdles on his racecourse debut but didn’t look to have an excuse for his latest poor effort.
Lough Derg Jewel (IRE) 3-1 (11-10) Led, headed 5 out, ridden before 2 out, no extra and lost 2nd place last, 3rd of 5, 19l behind Red Rising (11-4) at Catterick 3m 1f (4) sft in Feb.
Some Invitation (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) Mid-division, headway 8th, ridden and weakened before 2 out, 8th of 11, dist behind Finian's Oscar (10-12) at Hereford 2m 6f (4) sft in Dec.
Walt (IRE) 9-4fav (11-12) Mid-division, headway 6th, mistake 3 out and 2 out, kept on flat, no impression on front pair towards finish, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Persian Delight (11-7) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Feb.
Bestiarius (IRE) 15-8fav (10-12) Chased leaders, effort 2 out, kept on well closing stages, 2nd of 11, 3 1/4l behind Sam Spinner (10-12) at Newcastle 2m (4) gs in Nov.
