held up towards rear, weakened from 4 out, soon pulled up
held up in touch, weakened from 3 out
held up, headway from 3 out, chased winner approaching 2 out, kept on
in rear, struggling after 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
held up, chased leaders approaching 6th, weakened from 3 out
made all, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on well
held up, in touch when not much room on bend after 3 out, soon no impression
tracked leaders, weakened approaching last
tracked leaders, weakened approaching 2 out
chased leaders, blundered 3 out, soon weakened
towards rear, ridden and outpaced 6th, kept on between last 2
held up, fell 3rd
Any words of encouragement by James Ewart about (the potentially well-handicapped) Time Out must be heeded, however a safer bet may be the prolific point-to-point winner IMPACT ZONE who is preferred. Mick Easterby's gelding was no great shakes over hurdles when last seen at Sedgefield in March 2008, however he has since made hay between the flags with a number of wins. With confidence boosted and more time (and races) under his belt, he should run a bold race. Bollin Fiona needs to improve for the longer trip today after a fair sixth behind Bishops Heir, the drop in trip should suit Gavroche Gaugain who has run in some fair races so far, whilst Go On Be A Lady is probably flattered by the proximity of her second to Calzaghe but is considered nonetheless. Corporation is another former point-to-point winner who cannot be overlooked coming across from Ireland, a comment that also applies to Olifan D'Oudairies and The Hurler, whilst Bracken Lad needs to improve. Not a strong race by any stretch of the imagination and the vote is given to Impact Zone.
Corporation (IRE) 5-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders, reminder after 7th, weakened 3 out, 3rd of 7, well behind Billie Magern (11-0) at Stratford 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Jul.
Bracken Lad (IRE) 11-1 (11-7) Towards rear, outpaced 3 out, never on terms, 6th of 13, 40l behind Still At Lunch (11-5) at Kelso 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Nov.
Time Out (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Chased leader, not fluent 6th, led 3 out, ridden and headed between last two, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 13, 2 1/4l behind Souffleur (10-9) at Bangor 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Oct '07.
Thebillymagner (IRE) 25-1 (11-8) Led after 2nd and jumped left, headed 5th, weakened from 4 out, 12th of 19, well behind Mocklershill (10-13) at Gowran Park 2m 4f hcp hdl 80-95 gf in Oct.
Melbourne Lad (IRE) 25-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders on outer, close 7th 4 out, no extra from next, 10th of 16, well behind Cool Quest (11-2) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp hdl 80-95 hvy in Nov.
Olifan d'Oudairies (FR) 9-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, 2nd before 3 out, ridden in 3rd 2 out, no extra in 4th before last, kept on same pace, 4th of 14, 18l behind Irish Poli (10-13) at Downpatrick 2m 6f hcp hdl 80-95 gd in Oct.
The Hurler (IRE) 20-1 (10-3) Lost ground start, pulled up before 1st, in a race won by Hatton's Wood (10-11) at Tramore 2m 6f hcp chs 0-95 gd in Oct, 16 ran.
Go On Be A Lady 7-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway and in touch 4th, ridden to chase winner after 3 out, kept on same pace from next, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 7l behind Calzaghe (11-9) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-90 (5) sft in Nov.
Gavroche Gaugain (FR) 4-1fav (11-1) Held up in rear, headway approaching 3 out, lost place 2 out, 10th of 12, 40l behind Cinaman (10-3) at Carlisle 3m 1f am nov hcp hdl 0-90 (5) sft in Nov.
Impact Zone 4-11 (11-12) Ww; stdy prog aft 13; led bet last 2; rdn out, won at Kingston Blount 3m ptp gd in Jun beating Cape Stormer (12-5) by 6l, 8 ran.
Bollin Fiona 150-1 (9-12) Held up in touch, behind from 4th, 6th of 12, 13l behind Bishops Heir (10-7) at Kelso 2m nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
Contendo 33-1 (10-7) Mid-division, headway 4 out, soon weakened, 11th of 12, well behind Cinaman (10-3) at Carlisle 3m 1f am nov hcp hdl 0-90 (5) sft in Nov.
