mid-division, headway 5th, effort before 3 out, one pace and no impression from next
tracked leaders, outpaced approaching 3 out, kept on under pressure from next
held up and behind, weakened 4 out, pulled up before next
mid-division, outpaced 4 out, never on terms
always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders to 4 out, weakened next
led to 3rd, tracked leader, led again before 3 out, drew clear from next, driven out comfortably
in touch, led 3rd, headed before 3 out, ridden and kept on same pace, no chance with winner
mid-division, weakened 5th, tailed off 3 out
chased leaders to 5th, soon outpaced, no impression from 3 out
mid-division, weakened 4 out
tracked leaders, mistake 4 out, soon outpaced, weakened next
towards rear, lost place 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
always behind
in touch on inside, outpaced 4 out, never on terms
Ferdy Murphy has won this race twice in the last five years and has an interesting newcomer today in Ajay, however we will side with the proven Here's Johnny, with Imperial Commander best of the rest. The selection has been the model of consistency this winter over this trip, and although he has a double penalty to shoulder today, he still looks progressive. His latest victory came in determined fashion and his courage should stand him in good stead today. Imperial Commander was outclassed in a Grade Two contest last time out, but before that he had won his bumper well and made a pleasing hurdling debut. He found the three miles beyond him last time out, however the drop back in trip should suit today and he should go well. Nevertika makes the shortlist judged on his second to Skippers Brig last time out. That looks very solid form so he must be booked for a place at least. Keith Reveley's Jass was very disappointing on his hurdling debut when heavily fancied, however he should step up on that effort today and should be watched for signs of market confidence again. However, in an open race we will side with Victor Dartnall's Here's Johnny to land the spoils.
Here's Johnny (IRE) 2-1jt-fav (11-5) Held up, headway after 6th, led approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, rallied flat, led close home, won at Exeter 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Dec beating Dancing Dasi (9-12) by a hd, 14 ran.
Nevertika (FR) 3-1 (11-5) Mid-division, headway 5th, every chance 3 out, not fluent 2 out, rallied and every chance flat, no extra and eased towards finish, 2nd of 10, 8l behind Skippers Brig (11-5) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
Acropolis (IRE) 6-4fav (10-12) Tracked leader, driven and outpaced when hung left approaching last, soon ridden and no extra, 4th of 6, 10l behind Open de L'Isle (11-2) at Hexham 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
Ajay (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Led, ridden over 4f out, headed over 1f out, edged left, one pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 15, 9l behind The Gleaner (10-8) at Kelso 2m mdn nhf (6) gs in Mar.
Barneys Joy 50-1 (10-9) With leaders, weakened 6f out, soon tailed off, last of 12, 37l behind Not For Diamonds (10-9) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mdn nhf (H) gd in Oct '05.
Classic Harry 16-1 (10-12) Led to before 2 out, soon weakened, 6th of 9, 33l behind Silver Snitch (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Imperial Commander (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Prominent, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 6th of 8, well behind Flight Leader (11-0) at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Dec.
Jass 8-15fav (11-5) Mid-division, not fluent, headway 4 out, kept on from next, never nearer, 3rd of 13, 12l behind Raining Horse (11-2) at Newcastle 2m nh mdn hdl (5) sft.
Rectory (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon outpaced, 4th of 17, 24l behind Ballyfitz (10-11) at Newcastle 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gs in Nov '05.
Scrappie (IRE) 18-1 (11-4) Mistake 1st, always behind, 5th of 12, 30l behind Dancer's Serenade (11-4) at Newcastle 2m 4f nov hdl (3) sft.
Setitalight (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) Always well behind, 5th of 14, well behind Glinton (11-9) at Towcester 2m nov hdl (3) hvy.
Stolen Moments (FR) Evensfav (10-12) Held up in touch, ridden and hit 2 out, chased winner after last, kept on, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Our Jasper (10-7) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Tartan Snow Valseur gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Thenford Sir (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Prominent and keen early, lost place 6f out, soon ridden, beaten over 3f out, 6th of 13, 47l behind Tazbar (10-6) at Perth 2m nhf (6) gf in Jun.
Lily Tara 50-1 (9-11) Towards rear, headway after 3 out, ridden next, kept on same pace, 3rd of 10, 14l behind Benny The Piler (10-12) at Kelso 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
Polobury 11-1 (10-9) Always behind, 5th of 12, well behind All For Luck (11-7) at Wetherby 2m 7f nh mdn hdl (5) hvy.
Stravaigin 100-1 (10-12) Towards rear, stayed on from 2 out, never dangerous, 7th of 16, 34l behind Role On (11-5) at Kelso 2m 2f nh nov hdl (4) hvy.
Sunny Brook 33-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, outpaced by leading pair approaching 2 out, weakened last, 3rd of 12, 27l behind Surricate (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (4) hvy.
