in touch, soon tracked leaders, in 4th before 3 out, mistake 2 out and outpaced, kept on and no impression
tracked leaders, mistake 2nd, soon in touch, in rear, pushed along before 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up and collapsed before 2 out
tracked leaders, went 3rd from 4 out, kept on same pace
chased winner, ridden before 2 out, kept on and well held
made all, stayed on strongly from 2 out
Briery Belle's mares' allowance should stand her in good stead and she was a decent hurdler last season, winning a Listed handicap at Cheltenham on her final start in April. However, GULLY'S EDGE gives the impression he'll really come into his own now tackling fences. He's certainly built to go chasing, the only question mark today being whether this will be a sufficient test of stamina on ground that will be faster than ideal. Vintage Clouds was placed in a Grade 2 over hurdles last season and is another likely to be suited by the switch to fences. Takingrisks was well beaten by the selection over hurdles at Ayr in the spring and was rated lower than stable companion Sir Vinski over timber.
Gully's Edge 9-2 (11-11) In touch in 4th, challenged 2 out, led before last, kept on well, won at Ayr 3m hcp (3) sft in Apr beating Caledonia (11-7) by 5l, 9 ran.
Sir Vinski (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) With leader, quickly weakened and pulled up before 4th, at Haydock 2m 7f hcp (2) gd in Mar.
Takingrisks (IRE) 4-1fav (11-12) Held up mid-division, pushed along and weakened from 4 out, 6th of 9, 21 1/4l behind Gully's Edge (11-11) at Ayr 3m hcp (3) sft in Apr.
Vintage Clouds (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Prominent, mistake 7th, soon lost place, well beaten after 4 out, pulled up before 3 out, at Aintree 3m 1f (1) gs in Apr.
Briery Belle 8-1 (11-7) Mid-division, headway on outside 6th, challenged from 3 out, led next, stayed on well flat, won at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp lst (1) gd in Apr beating Debdebdeb (11-4) by 3l, 13 ran.
