mid-division until 3rd, behind after
tracked leaders, blundered badly 2nd and next, ridden after 3 out, stayed on, always held by winner
always towards rear
keen tracking leaders, hit 2nd, ridden after 5th, soon weakened
led until after 3 out, soon ridden, weakened next
tracked leader, hit 3 out, led soon after, clear next, ridden out
not fluent 1st, hit 5th, always behind
held up, headway under pressure after 5th, weakened after next, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
held up, steady progress from 3 out, went 3rd 2 out, stayed on, never a danger
tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, hit next
As long as the ground remains on the fast side then Tampa Boy would appear to be the one to side with here. Mole's Chamber and Princess Flame the dangers on their best form. The selection needed quick ground to show his best in Ireland and the ground was riding good when he made a winning hurdling debut for this yard at Hereford from a well backed, and useful, favourite. He lost no caste in defeat to a decent sort last time and doesn't face anything of that one's class here. Mole's Chamber made a promising start to his career but has disappointed on both of this season's starts. It was a fairly warm handicap that he made his reappearance in but there appeared to be no excuses for his latest outing over three miles and he has plenty to prove. Princess Flame has been campaigned predominantly in mares' company and comes here having pulled up in a competitive series final last time. She's not without a chance but is, essentially, opposable. Keep an eye on the weather but we think Tampa Boy can land this prize.
Mole's Chamber (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Held up mid-division, mistake 6th, ridden and lost touch 13th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Beau Michel (11-1) at Taunton 2m 7f beg chs (4) gd in Dec, 9 ran.
Tampa Boy (IRE) 9-4 (11-4) In touch, ridden after 3 out, chased winner approaching last, kept on, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Otage De Brion (11-7) at Hereford 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Fortification (USA) 22-1 (10-8) Always behind, tailed off, 9th of 12, well behind Earth Planet (11-1) at Wincanton 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) sft in Mar.
Just A Thought (IRE) 14-1 (11-2) Led, hit 6th, headed 3 out, soon ridden, weakened next, 8th of 15, 39l behind Ballydub (11-2) at Newbury 2m 5f mdn hdl (3) sft in Mar.
Princess Flame (GER) 33-1 (10-13) Mid-division until 6th, behind when pulled up 4 out in race won by Jaunty Flight (11-3) at Newbury 2m 5f mrs hcp hdl (1) sft in Mar, 17 ran.
Psychiatrist 6-1 (11-7) Led to 2nd, led after 3rd to 4th, led again 3 out, in command 2 out, stayed on, won at Warwick 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf in Mar beating Indian Star (11-4) by 3l, 16 ran.
Storm Surge (IRE) 66-1 (11-4) Mid-division, ridden after 5th, soon weakened, tailed off, 8th of 13, well behind Or Bleu (11-4) at Newbury 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Cilla Black 16-1 (11-0) Mid-division, hit 3rd, blundered badly and unseated rider at the 4th in race won by Kerry's Girl (11-0) at Exeter 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (4) gs in Mar, 16 ran.
Kilmeena Magic 100-1 (10-10) Mid-division, ridden after 3 out, stayed on well from 2 out, 4th of 15, 6l behind Owlesbury Dream (10-12) at Wincanton 2m mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Quaystone Lady (IRE) 100-1 (10-13) Blundered badly 3rd, always towards rear, 7th of 9, well behind Dansimar (10-10) at Fontwell 2m 2f mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
