tracking leader, when ran out on bend after 3f
tracked leaders, led 3f out, driven clear final furlong
always in rear, ridden halfway, soon struggling, tailed off
prominent, left 2nd on bend after 3f, led 5f out, headed 3f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, every chance from 4f out, until weakened over 1f out
raced wide, in touch, driven along 5f out, soon weakened, dismounted after line, lame
held up in rear, headway over 2f out, went 3rd over 1f out, stayed on same pace
close up, ridden 5f out, weakened over 3f out, tailed off
held up in rear, steady headway from 3f out, went 2nd over 1f out, no impression final furlong
pulled hard early, led until 5f out, weakened quickly, tailed off
took keen hold, held up in rear, headway 4f out, weakened over 2f out
The three to note in the finale are Jimmy Ber, Seven Is My Number and Crescent Island with the vote going to the last named. The selection could do no more than win an ordinary looking bumper at Folkestone on his debut and comes form a yard that do well in this field. With that experience on his side he can improve once more. Seven Is My Number won on his debut at Ascot last year only to flop when a short priced favourite at Newbury thereafter. No doubt connections will have solved his problems and the market will prove a good guide to his chances. Jimmy Ber comes from Ireland and has shown improvement with each run. His form is difficult to translate but any market moves should be noted. So for the winner we return to Crescent Island.
Crescent Island (IRE) 13-8fav (10-13) Tracked leader, led 3f out, in command final 2f, won at Folkestone 2m 1f nhf (6) gf in Oct beating Uncle Eli (11-1) by 4l, 9 ran.
Seven Is My Number (IRE) 15-8jt-fav (11-7) Mid-division, took closer over 4f out, soon ridden and weakened, last of 10, well behind Crocodiles Rock (11-7) at Newbury 2m nhf Grd 2 (1) sft in Feb.
Castlemaine Vic (IRE) Old Vic gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Free World (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Mid division, ridden over 2f out, kept on, 4th of 16, 7l behind Oberon Moon (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m nhf (4) gd in Oct.
Jimmy Ber (IRE) 10-1 (11-7) In touch, progress into 4th 4f out, 2nd and challenged 2f out, 3rd and no extra final furlong, 3rd of 17, 5l behind Western Kid (12-0) at Naas 2m nhf gd.
Kokomiko (IRE) Executive Perk gelding out of Blue Bank.
Mums Chatterbox (IRE) 7-2 (11-1) Held up, headway over 4f out, ran on well to lead inside final furlong, won at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (6) gf in Oct beating Red Wharf Bay (11-1) by 2l, 13 ran.
New Rackheath (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Always rear division, 12th of 18, 24l behind Whiteoak (10-5) at Newbury 1m 4f 4yo nhf (5) gs in Mar.
Supreme Duke (IRE) Supreme Leader gelding, half-brother to winning chaser French Direction.
The Big Fella (IRE) Shernazar gelding out of a moderate pointer.
Tuskar Rock (FR) Turgeon gelding, brother to winning jumper Gold Heart.
Asparagus Wingnut (IRE) 5-1 (10-11) Prominent, ridden over 3f out, ran on well final furlong, 3rd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Team Chaser (11-2) at Taunton 2m 1f nhf (6) gd in Mar.
Storm Surge (IRE) Great Palm gelding out of an unraced mare.
The Boffinator Terimon gelding, half-brother to the smart hurdler Diamant Noir.
