chased leaders, mistake 4th, weakened after 6th, moderate 5th when stumbled badly and unseated rider 2 out
in touch, tracked leaders after 6th, ridden to press winner 3 out, kept on same pace from last
held up mid-division, headway after 6th to track leaders, ridden and effort approaching 2 out, stayed on to go 2nd at the last
chased leaders, hit 2nd, gradually faded from 5th
in touch, headway 6th, ridden after 7th, weakened quickly
never fluent, always behind, tailed and pulled up before 2 out
made all, ridden after 2 out, stayed on strongly
always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
held up mid-division, headway 5th, chased winner after 7th, ridden and weakened after 3 out, mistake next
held up and always towards rear
mid-division, ridden after 7th, one pace from next
chased leaders until 7th, soon weakened
Arumun, Art Virginia and Witness Run are the three that catch the eye here and preference is for Arumun. Art Virginia had his first race for two years when finishing a good second at Sandown last time. That was a terrific effort and provided he doesn't bounce he must go well. Witness Run makes his debut under rules and is clearly one to note in the market after a ten length Irish point-to-point success. He may be found wanting for pace. The front running Arumun looks the one to beat. This bold runner is a game individual and after a promising seasonal debut at Chepstow he chased home Scotmail at Hexham. That one has won again since and Arumun has since finished a good second at Fontwell. He will not go down without a fight and today may be the day he lands a hurdle contest. Arumun is taken to lose his maiden tag.
Allborn Lad (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Mid-division until weakened 5f out, 13th of 15, 48l behind Valley Ride (11-5) at Ludlow 2m nhf (H) gs in Jan.
Art Virginia (FR) 5-1 (11-0) Held up, headway to lead 3f out, ridden and headed just inside final 2f, soon no chance with winner, held on for 2nd near finish, 2nd of 8, 12l behind Here's Johnny (11-0) at Sandown 2m nhf (H) gs in Nov.
Aztec Warrior (IRE) 9-2 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway 7f out, chased leaders and ridden 3f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 21, 11l behind Wichita Lineman (10-13) at Newbury 2m 4yo nhf (H) gd in Nov.
Candlelight Valley (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Held up last, ridden some headway after 3 out, stumbled badly and blundered last, not recover, 7th of 12, 41l behind Denman (11-4) at Wincanton 2m 6f nov hdl (D) gd in Nov.
Earl of Forestry (GER) 11-8fav (11-4) Held up towards rear, ridden over 4f out, weakened 2f out, 7th of 10, 16l behind Gentleman Jimmy (11-4) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn nhf (H) gf in Nov.
Hambaphambili 9-1 (11-4) Took keen hold, held up in rear, headway over 4f out, stayed on one pace final 2f, 4th of 13, 18l behind Major Miller (11-4) at Folkestone 2m 1f nhf (H) gs in Nov.
Murotoevation (IRE) 100-1 (11-4) Lost touch from halfway, 11th of 17, 48l behind Aux Le Bahnn (10-13) at Warwick 2m nhf (H) sft.
Pedros Brief (IRE) 7-1 (12-0) Settled 3rd, improved into 2nd and challenged early straight, led over 1f out, stayed on well, won at Gowran Park 2m 2f nhf hvy in Apr beating Get The Edge (11-9) by 4l, 17 ran.
Tigu (IRE) Tiraaz gelding, half-brother to winning chaser Robber.
Witness Run (IRE) 9-4fav (12-0) won at Maralin 3m ire ptp sft in Oct beating Glenalla Rock (12-0) by 10l, 13 ran.
Mr Ex (ARG) 16-1 (10-5) With leader until ridden after 5th, weakened well before 3 out, 8th of 11, 33l behind Cold Turkey (10-12) at Plumpton 2m nov hdl (D) gs in Nov.
Bosworth Gypsy (IRE) 25-1 (10-8) Always behind, 10th of 16, well behind Mount Clerigo (11-8) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (H) hvy in Jan '04.
Loose Morals (IRE) 20-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, ridden 3f out, weakened 1f out, 9th of 12, 20l behind Craven (11-4) at Wincanton 2m nhf (H) gd in Nov.
Arumun (IRE) 11-2 (10-12) Led and soon clear, hit 3 out, headed between last 2, no extra flat, 2nd of 14, 3 1/2l behind Dearson (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 4f nov hdl (E) sft.
