led 1st and keen, headed 2nd and stayed prominent, led briefly after 3 out, weakened approaching last
held up, headway 7th to track leaders, led approaching last, ridden out
tracked leaders, hit 6th, ridden 3 out, led approaching 2 out, headed soon after, one pace
towards rear, brief effort 6th, no further impression
never a danger, pulled up before last
led 2nd, hit 8th, headed after 3 out and weakened
held up, headway 7th, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
mid-division and keen, weakened after 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders and keen, weakening after 3 out
in touch and not jump well, lost place 4th, behind from 6th, pulled up before 2 out
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Waltham Abbey is given a chance to redeem himself at the expense of Ballyboley and American Cricket. The selection was a little disappointing when beaten at Wetherby on his most recent start but his style of front-running could suit here and we recommend accordingly. Ballyboley has recorded plenty of second places in his career thus far and despite this worrying statistic, he has to be afforded maximum respect at this level. American Cricket steps up in trip following a winning debut under rules. That said, he was placed in an Irish point so the distance should not be a problem. Nanny's Gift may have been flattered by her recent second placing but shapes as if she might see out the trip. Cardinal Spirit has to be watched in the market as his yard have been in reasonable form over the last couple of months. Posh Act fell when well backed at the course on his most recent visit. That betting information could be particularly relevant as the punters had allowed him to go off at 100/1 on his previous starts. Olympian won on the flat in France and makes a British debut for Charlie Longsdon. A competitive opener and Waltham Abbey is given one more chance.
American Cricket (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Prominent, led over 3f out, soon ridden, headed close home, all out to lead line, won at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in Jan beating Quarry Town (11-4) by a shd, 16 ran.
Ashwell (IRE) 4-1fav (11-7) Held up in rear, hit 6th, headway 9th, disputing 3rd when fell 5 out in race won by New Perk (10-5) at Fakenham 2m 5f nov hcp chs 0-100 (E) gd in Dec '05, 9 ran.
Ballyboley (IRE) Evensfav (11-0) In touch, chased winner from 5 out, kept on, one pace, under pressure from 2 out, 2nd of 8, 6l behind Constant Approach (10-4) at Hereford 3m 2f mdn hdl (4) gf.
Posh Act 11-2 (10-12) Took keen hold in rear, rapid headway to lead after 9th, ridden and weakening when fell 2 out in race won by Carnt Spell (10-5) at Towcester 2m 3f chs 0-95 (5) sft in Nov, 10 ran.
Waltham Abbey 7-4fav (10-11) With leader, led 8th, blundered next, headed 3 out, one pace, 2nd of 15, 4l behind Earnest (11-2) at Wetherby 2m 7f mdn hdl (5) gf in Apr.
Sternenzelt (GER) (11-0) 3rd of 12, 14l behind Panzara D'airy (10-3) at Pau 2m 2f chs gd in Feb.
Nannys Gift (IRE) 11-4fav (10-2) Held up, headway approaching 7th, chased winner after 3 out, no chance, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Hugo Wolf (11-2) at Huntingdon 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) gf in Apr.
Cardinal Spirit 14-1 (10-9) Towards rear, never dangerous, 6th of 12, 40l behind The Ring (11-0) at Kelso 2m mdn hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
