held up mid-division, hampered and unseated rider 4th
held up, pushed along and struggling from 7th, pulled up before 3 out
held up in touch, took closer order 7th, led 3 out, ridden and headed after next, one pace
chased leader, led 2nd until fell 4th
led to 2nd, remained close up until lost place approaching 8th, in 5th and fell when beaten 3 out
held up in touch, slightly hampered 4th, outpaced 4 out, ridden and headway 2 out, stayed on from last, took 2nd towards finish
held up in touch, left in lead 4th, headed when hit 3 out, ridden to lead after 2 out, kept on well
held up in rear, hampered 4th, headway approaching 4 out, ridden and weakened 2 out
with leaders, struggling from 8th
Union Deux is better than he showed behind the well-handicapped Celtic Son at Newbury last time and has to be respected but an absence of two months is of concern and preference is for Arctic Lagoon, who gets the verdict over Corrib Lad. The last mentioned made a winning return at Carlisle last month but has it to do off a 5lb higher mark today and over a trip that he has yet to race over. The Nicky Richards-trained Glenmoss Rosy showed improved form last time and could be interesting first time in a handicap, while Sea Laughter has also shown promise in novice hurdles and is another to consider in this grade for the first time. Union Deux had looked progressive when winning races at Wetherby and Towcester in the autumn but has given the impression that the handicapper may have his measure and a safer bet may be Arctic Lagoon. Sue Bradburne's gelding has ground conditions to suit and the six-year-old ran his best race for some time when chasing home Kings Square at Musselburgh last month. Set to go up 3lbs in future handicaps following that effort; Arctic Lagoon is potentially well treated and is taken to make the most of the favourable terms.
Birdwatch 9-2 Chased leaders, hit 7th, weakened next, mistake 4 out, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Mckelvey at Newcastle 3m mdn hdl (F) hvy in Feb, 8 ran.
Sea Laughter (IRE) 11-1 Held up, ridden and headway 4 out, ridden and weakened next, 7th of 10, 30l behind Tom Fruit at Wetherby 2m 7f amt nov hdl (E) sft in Jan.
Corrib Lad (IRE) 9-4fav Prominent, ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on from next, led after last, held on well towards finish, won at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-105 (E) sft in Feb beating Needwood Spirit by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Union Deux (FR) 11-2 Held up towards rear, hard ridden 7th, never dangerous, 13th of 20, 46l behind Celtic Son at Newbury 3m cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gs in Jan.
Arctic Lagoon (IRE) 10-1 Prominent, lost place 8th, rallied approaching 3 out, ridden and effort next, left clear 2nd last, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Kings Square at Musselburgh 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gd in Feb.
Glenmoss Rosy (IRE) 50-1 Behind, headway 6th, weakened next, tailed off 3 out, 4th of 13, 22l behind Marsh Run at Carlisle 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (D) sft in Feb.
Minster Fair 10-1 Close up, pushed along after 6th, ridden and outpaced 4 out, 7th of 12, 28l behind Moscow Leader at Kelso 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (E) sft in Dec '03.
Dalkeys Lad 8-1 Led until headed and hit 3 out, weakened next, 4th of 8, 35l behind Native Coral at Ayr 2m 4f mdn hdl (E) hvy in Feb.
