held up, 3rd from 3rd, outpaced 12th, well beaten next
made all, drew clear from 2 out, 10 lengths ahead flat, got very tired and slowed markedly towards finish, just held on
in rear, often jumped slowly, tailed off 9th, pulled up before next
chased winner, ridden 3 out, no impression from 2 out, mistake last, 10 lengths down flat, stayed on as winner got very tired towards finish, just failed
in last pair from 3rd, outpaced after 11th, tailed off next, pulled up before last
Tommysteel was only fifth in this last year and, like most of these, isn't getting any younger. OCKEY DE NEULLIAC is the senior member of the party but showed he's no back number by a prominent showing in the Foxhunters at Aintree. Provided that hasn't emptied the tank, the 14-year-old can notch a 10th victory under Rules. Wicklow Lad has plenty of form on heavy going so rates the danger, despite failing to justify favouritism between the flags at Tranwell eight days ago. Grouse Lodge and Barachois Silver are both capable but struggle to get their heads in front.
Grouse Lodge (IRE) 6-1 (11-8) Held up in 4th, driven to chase front pair after 5 out, soon outpaced, ridden after next, never on terms, 3rd of 5, 15 3/4l behind Thetalkinghorse (11-8) at Wetherby 3m (6) sft in Apr.
Ockey De Neulliac (FR) 33-1 (12-0) Chased leaders, mistake 12th, in 8th 2 out, well held in 8th when blundered badly last, 8th of 22, dist behind On The Fringe (12-0) at Aintree 2m 5f (2) sft in Apr.
Tommysteel (IRE) 4-1 (12-5) Chsd ldrs til wknd 15, 5th of 7, dist behind Tc Spitfire (12-5) at Tranwell 3m gs in Apr.
Wicklow Lad 6-4fav (12-5) Held up; chall last; no ex flat, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Tc Spitfire (12-5) at Tranwell 3m gs in Apr.
Barachois Silver 6-5 (12-0) Led to 15; ev ch til outpcd aft 2 out, 2nd of 3, 6l behind Catchamat (11-7) at Friars Haugh 3m 2f gs in Apr.
