tracked leader, led after 3f, hard driven over 3f out, headed 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
held up in rear but in touch, headway to track leader after 4f, under pressure over 3f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led 3f, remained prominent, every chance from 2f out, kept on well
chased leaders, driven to lead 2f out, soon strongly challenged, stayed on well closing stages
An interesting bumper to end proceedings with a couple of points winners catching the eye. Indian Hercules and WARTHOG have joined powerful NH stables but David Pipe’s Martaline gelding gets the nod on this occasion, though both should make useful jumpers in time. Diamond Reggie showed promise at Bangor last month while newcomers Dessinateur and Oscars Cross are worth noting for future reference.
Black Art 40-1 (10-13) Held up in rear, ridden and struggling over 4f out, 8th of 10, dist behind Loud And Clear (11-0) at Worcester 2m (6) gd in Aug.
Indian Hercules (IRE) 3-1 (12-2) Chsd ldrs, 4th aftr a mile, ld bef 2out & sl adv when faster jump last, so best flat, won at Aghabullogue 3m mdn sft in Jan beating Pallaskenry (12-2) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Oscars Cross Oscar gelding out of Mystockings.
Warthog (FR) 4-5 (11-10) Tr ldrs, 3rd 1/2way, 1l dwn 3out, gd prog to ld apr 2out, eased clr early str, 10l adv & in command last, easily, won at Lingstown 3m mdn sft in Dec beating Largy Prospect (11-10) by 10l, 14 ran.
Dessinateur (FR) Alberto Giacometti gelding out of Castagnette Iii.
Minellatillmorning (IRE) 5-2 (11-10) Alw pr, 3rd 6out, prog to 2nd 3out, no ex in 3rd bef last, ko, 3rd of 10, 21l behind Benatar (11-10) at Loughbrickland 3m mdn sft in Nov.
Pride Of Pemberley (IRE) 14-1 (11-3) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, kept on same pace, no chance with front pair over 1f out, lost 3rd inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 12 1/2l behind Mon Palois (11-3) at Wetherby 2m (6) sft in Feb.
Diamond Reggie (IRE) 4-1 (10-7) Held up in touch, lost place over 4f out, rallied over 2f out, kept on well, never able to challenge, 3rd of 8, 4 3/4l behind Samson's Reach (10-7) at Bangor 2m 1f (6) sft in Feb.
Foxy Act 150-1 (10-11) Took keen hold, always towards rear, never a factor, tailed off, 11th of 15, 24l behind Air Navigator (11-4) at Exeter 2m 1f (6) sft in Feb.
