tracked leaders, slightly hampered 2nd, weakened after 11th, soon behind
held up, hampered 5th, headway to track leaders 8th, weakened 3 out
held up, headway 7th, led 3 out easy
led 2nd, headed 5th, ridden when mistake 8th, soon weakened and behind when pulled up before 11th
led, headed 2nd, led again 5th, jumped right from 10th, mistake 12th, hit 13th, headed when ridden 3 out, no impression
held up when mistake unseated rider 5th
Ballyman can open his account over fences at the expense of Blu Teen, Lawyer Des Ormeaux, and Bob Bites Back. This race has cut up badly, with just seven of the 28 original entries remaining, no doubt due to the anticipated fast ground, but hopefully the underfoot conditions will not bother Ballyman who bids to step up on his second to the long odds-on Three Mirrors at Market Rasen in March. That was over 20-furlongs, and the extra half mile today should help on what is his third outing over fences. Blu Teen has yet to race on anything faster than good ground, and tries today's trip for the first time. However, hailing from a top yard, he is sure to command respect. Lawyer Des Ormeaux may well have bustled up Fair Question had he not fallen at Hereford last time, and as long as he brushes up his jumping, is another to consider, while first-time blinkers may sharpen up Bob Bites Back who gets the age allowance. Nothing stands out in truth, with Ballyman the pick.
