tracked leaders in 4th, left close 3rd 9th, went 2nd 12th, challenged 3 out, led narrowly next, hung right and went right last, driven clear run-in
led, joined 3 out, narrolwly headed next, every chance when hung right before last, held when slightly hampered last, one pace run-in
tracked leading pair, left in 2nd 9th, lost 2nd 12th, chased leading pair, ridden and no extra before 2 out
tracked leader, hit 6th, disputing lead when blundered and unseated rider 9th
Frizzo could get an uncontested lead in this small field and will take some pegging back if on-song, though can make jumping errors. Fergal Mael Duin is still seeking a first win over fences but rarely runs a bad race, though ended last season racing over longer trips and is still high enough in the weights. Venetian Lad continued his love affair with this track when scoring in this grade over course and distance in June. He couldn't cope in a better race here next time but you can never rule out Lydia Richards' grey on his favourite course. But FRIENDLY SOCIETY beat him here in May last year when conceding 5lb. Noel Williams' charge is the pick of the weights today so gets the nod.
Fergal Mael Duin 11-8fav (11-7) Chased leaders, slow 4 out, not fluent next, rallied 2 out, every chance when mistake last, no extra flat, 2nd of 4, 8l behind Fredo (11-3) at Huntingdon 3m hcp (3) sft in Mar.
Frizzo (FR) 20-1 (11-5) Led, headed 5 out, weakened 3 out, tailed off, 5th of 6, dist behind Crazy Jack (11-6) at Market Rasen 2m 2f hcp (4) gs in Apr.
Venetian Lad 10-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, lost place 10th, weakened 4 out, tailed off, 7th of 8, dist behind Top Cat Henry (11-3) at Fontwell 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Friendly Society (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Led until jumped slowly 1st, given reminder and stayed prominent, slow again 2nd, led 8th until 9th, driven and edged right before last when beaten, weakened flat, 6th of 8, 10 1/4l behind Forever My Friend (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Sep.
