settled in mid-division, good headway to move 2nd on run to 3 out, took it up travelling strongly after 2 out, ran on well to win comfortably
led until 4th, disputed lead and again led briefly 13th, ridden after 4 out and soon weakened
raced in 2nd until leading at 4th, disputed lead until going on again at 8th, headed briefly 13th before leading over next, pressed 2 out and headed soon after, stayed on but no match for winner
in rear, mistakes 11th and 12th and lost ground, became detatched 5 out before staying on approaching 3 out, took 3rd after last
towards rear of tightly grouped field, headway to land over 4 out in share of 2nd, not quicken with front two 3 out, plugged on but lost 3rd close home
settled in 3rd, close up when mistake and sprawled on landing 5 out, dropped towards rear and not able to challenge
Ask Paddy notched-up a four-timer over fences last season including three wins over course and distance. But he’s raised a further 8lb on his first start since February and RED GIANT (NAP) has the more recent form. The latter took advantage of a tumble down the weights to win the Durham National at Sedgefield last month with Brian Boranha back in third and can defy a 7lb rise having won off a higher mark last year. Justforjames can figure if managing a clear round on his reappearance but Lough Derg Jewel hasn’t won over fences since 2018 and I Just Know continues to struggle.
Lough Derg Jewel (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) In touch in mid-division, pushed along before 9th, soon lost place, well beaten before 2 out, pulled up before last, at Hexham 2m 7f hcp (3) gs in Oct.
I Just Know (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, went 2nd 11th until before 2 out, soon no extra, 9th of 11, dist behind Court Dreaming (10-11) at Carlisle 3m hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Red Giant (IRE) 16-1 (10-1) Jumped right, made all, clear last, stayed on well, won at Sedgefield 3m 5f hcp (2) gd in Oct beating Dandy Dan (11-12) by 7 1/2l, 12 ran.
Justforjames (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, mistake 1st, headway approaching 3 out, chased winner after 2 out, ridden before jumped left last, no impression, 2nd of 6, 4 3/4l behind Rock On Fruity (11-1) at Sedgefield 3m 2f hcp (3) hvy in Mar.
Brian Boranha (IRE) 11-2 (10-8) Towards rear, headway 17th, 5th 3 out, 3rd after 2 out, kept on flat, unable to get on terms, 3rd of 12, 13 1/2l behind Red Giant (10-1) at Sedgefield 3m 5f hcp (2) gd in Oct.
Ask Paddy (IRE) 7-2fav (11-2) Disputed lead to after 2nd, tracked clear pair, close up 11th, disputed lead 14th, led narrowly 3 out, jumped right from next, soon ridden, stayed on well under pressure flat, won at Catterick 3m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Feb beating Grange Ranger (11-1) by 1 3/4l, 10 ran.
