prominent, ridden over 3f out, one pace from over 1f out, lost 2nd close home
chased leaders, quickly weakened 2f out, soon pulled up, dismounted
led, ridden and headed over 9f out, regained lead 5f out, ridden clear 1f out (hand timed)
held up, ridden and headway over 3f out, one pace final furlong
held up in rear, tailed off 6f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 4f out, weakened final 2f
held up, headway over 2f out, ridden and edged left over 1f out, one pace
held up mid-division, ridden and headway over 3f out, stayed on to take 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, led over 9f out, ridden and headed 5f out, soon weakened
in touch, keen, weakened over 3f out
The bumper sees Otto des Pictons, Go On Line and Super Nick short listed, with the selection being Otto des Pictons. Paul Nicholls has always to be respected, not least in these types of event, and when he recently spoke of Otto des Pictons as being a decent bumper prospect, well, 'nuff said really. The Jonjo O'Neill-trained 28,000 guineas purchase, Go On Line, gets a good mention, while Balamory Dan has already shown decent bumper form and is respected. Major Comet and Super Nick come here as winners and are both promising, maybe more so the latter, we feel. Overall, though, the selection is Otto des Pictons.
Balamory Dan (IRE) 20-1 (11-11) Led for 5f, chased leader, led over 3f out until 2f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 21, 8l behind Wichita Lineman (10-13) at Newbury 2m 4yo nhf (H) gd in Nov.
Major Comet 16-1 (10-11) Mid-division on inside, headway 5f out, led 2f out, ran on final furlong, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (6) gf in Aug beating Lindseyfield Lodge (11-5) by 5l, 14 ran.
Super Nick (IRE) 5-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, led over 4f out, ran on strongly, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (6) sft beating Zaffarella (10-7) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
Bobby Gee Bob's Return gelding out of the versatile winner Country Orchid.
Margam Abbey (IRE) Silver Patriarch gelding out of winning chaser Coolvawn Lady.
Nodform William 13-2 (10-12) In touch, headway to lead over 5f out, headed over 3f out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 12, 4 1/2l behind Burnt Oak (10-12) at Doncaster 1m 5f nhf (H) gd in Nov.
Otto des Pictons (FR) Grand Tresor gelding, half-brother to winners in France.
Out To Lunch (IRE) Accordion gelding out of Scent of A Rose.
Pencil House (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) Held up, ridden halfway, tailed off 4f out, 11th of 14, well behind Scribano Eile (10-11) at Wetherby 2m nhf (5) hvy in Mar.
Rashartic (IRE) 10-1 (10-10) Mid-division, headway 6f out, ridden to chase leaders 3f out, kept on, 3rd of 15, 4l behind Wee Bertie (10-8) at Perth 2m nhf (6) gf in Apr.
Sea Senor 9-2 (11-0) Raced keenly, held up, headway over 7f out, went 2nd well over 1f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 14l behind Truckers Delight (10-7) at Stratford 2m nhf (5) gf in Sept.
Alpine Warrior Karinga Bay gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Go On Line Overbury gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler Sea The Light.
