led, challenged when blundered 4 out, joined when fell heavily 3 out
chased leaders, outpaced approaching 10th, left remote 2nd from 3 out
chased leaders until ridden and lost place after 9th, pulled up before 11th, tailed off
chased leader, not fluent 10th and 11th, hit next, ridden to join leader 4 out, upsides when left well clear 3 out
Birkwood can beat his main rival Jacksonville, with the other two having it to do. Former top event rider Ian Stark may have something to go to war with in hunter-chaser Birkwood who has been a prolific winner in points as well as under rules. Successful here in April when he made all to score by eight-lengths, the form of which has been franked in fine style since by the runner-up, he has since won in similar fashion between the flags at Alnwick, and with regular pilot Ronan Brown once again in the plate, further success is on the cards. Main rival Jacksonville lost no caste in defeat when beaten three-and-a-half lengths by Cheltenham bound Bica at Kelso recently, and looks set to give another good account without quite being good enough here. The other pair will need something to go amiss with one of the principals to take a hand in the finish, and this should go to the progressive Birkwood who can pay to follow on the northern circuit at least.
Birkwood 2-1fav (12-7) Made all; stayed on gamely, won at Alnwick 3m ptp gd in Jan beating Wainak (12-7) by 2l, 20 ran.
Jacksonville (FR) 16-1 (11-10) Held up mid-division, headway 11th, chased winner flat, no impression, 2nd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Bica (12-0) at Kelso 3m 1f hts chs (4) sft in Feb.
Alfie Twofourtwo (IRE) 7-1 (12-0) Handy until wknd 3 out, 6th of 17, 28l behind Ask Bobby (12-6) at Duncombe Park 3m ptp sft in Feb.
Lord Who (IRE) 4-6fav (12-0) Led 10th clear 2 out, won at Alnwick 3m ptp gd in Feb beating Suetsu (11-7) by 12l, 13 ran.
