led or disputed lead to 9th, ridden to chase winner before 3 out (usual 4 out), kept on same pace under pressure from 2 out, just held on for 2nd flat
held up in touch, ridden to chase leaders before 3 out (usual 4 out), weakened before 2 out
chased leaders, outpaced 3 out (usual 4 out), weakened before 2 out
held up in touch, headway on outside 9th, chased leading pair before 3 out (usual 4 out), soon switched inside and ridden, switched right 2 out, kept on under pressure flat, just held for 2nd, no impression with winner
led or disputed lead to 9th, soon lost place, behind from 3 out (usual 4 out), tailed off
with leaders until settled in 3rd after 2nd, headway to lead 9th, drew clear before 2 out, kept on
Another tricky puzzle to unravel but there are enough concerns surrounding Original Prankster's prowess over fences and ability to handle this ground to look elsewhere. Ferdy Murphy has booked McCoy to ride PISTOL BASC and the eight-year-old, who has won off higher marks in the past, could be worth a small investment against rivals who struggle to get their head in front. Brimham Boy hasn't won for two years but gets little respite from the handicapper while Shoal Bay Dreamer was beaten 19 lengths when second at Newcastle. Delgany Gunner appears to have lost his way and Thedreamstillalive only ran at Hereford on Thursday and may find a second race in a short time too much.
Brimham Boy 9-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders, hit 3rd, not fluent 7th, chased winner approaching 10th, no impression 2 out, one pace, 2nd of 8, 9l behind Newton Tonic (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (5) gs in Apr.
Original Prankster (IRE) 16-1 (11-9) Mistake 1st, behind, outpaced 5 out, ridden next, kept on to chase leaders towards stands side after last, never nearer, 4th of 11, 13l behind Teenando (11-1) at Carlisle 2m hcp chs 0-100 (5) gs in Mar.
Shoal Bay Dreamer 11-2 (10-5) Tracked leader, led before 4 out, headed next, soon ridden, kept on same pace in clear 2nd, no chance with winner from 2 out, 2nd of 6, 19l behind Emperor Charlie (10-2) at Newcastle 2m 4f 5yo nov hcp (4) gd in Mar.
Pistol Basc (FR) 6-1 (11-5) Took keen hold, held up, not fluent 1st, headway 10th, went 3rd 12th, hit 14th, ridden and not look keen after 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 5, 27l behind Huckleberry (11-9) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-100 (5) gd in Apr.
Thedreamstillalive (IRE) 5-1 (10-9) Led, pressed 2 out, soon ridden, headed last, kept on one pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 9l behind Got The Urge (10-9) at Hereford 2m 5f hcp chs 0-100 (5) hvy.
Delgany Gunner 15-2 (10-3) In touch, ridden and lost place 13th, tailed off and unseated rider 4 out, in a race won by Guydus (10-1) at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Apr, 7 ran.
