made all, jumped mainly right throughout, clear from 3 out, easily
towards rear, soon chased leaders, one pace and no impression from 4 out
in rear, went 4th from 6 out, weakened from 3 out
tracked winner, ridden and no impression from 3 out
tracked leaders, weakened from 6 out, pulled up before 4 out
Degas Art, talented but quirky, and the consistent Vosges, were only separated by just over a length when second and third behind Charminster last time and there should be little between them here, although trip and conditions may just enable the latter to reverse placings this time around. However, it may be worth taking the pair on with chasing debutant, CHESTER LAD. Donald McCain's charge needs to be forgiven a very disappointing effort last time on heavy ground but the overall level of his hurdling from would make him hard to beat if equally proficient over fences. The other two appear outclassed.
Chester Lad 7-2 (11-12) Led until 6th, led next, ridden and headed well before last, soon weakened, tailed off, 6th of 9, well behind Achimota (11-6) at Haydock 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) hvy in Dec.
Degas Art (IRE) 13-2 (11-0) In touch in 4th, went 3rd before 4 out, kept on same pace, went 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 5l behind Charminster (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m beg chase (5) gd.
King Of Ardcarne (IRE) 25-1 (11-5) Mid-division best, dropped towards rear from 8th, behind when pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Allee Garde (11-5) at Gowran Park 3m hdl gd in Apr, 17 ran.
Vosges (FR) 9-4 (10-10) Led, pushed along before 4 out, headed 3 out, no extra and lost 2nd place towards finish, 3rd of 5, 6l behind Charminster (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m beg chase (5) gd.
Just Maddie 66-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders in 3rd, pushed along and lost place before 4 out, last of 5, 22l behind Charminster (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m beg chase (5) gd.
