held up, headway when hit 9th, went 2nd after 3 out, ridden to lead last, driven out
chased leader to 5th, went 2nd again 9th, led after 3 out, soon ridden, headed last, ran on
held up in touch, jumped right 1st and 2nd, weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off
prominent, went 2nd 5th until 9th, weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off
jumped right, led, hit 8th, ridden and headed after 3 out, weakening when not fluent 2 out
Spirit Of New York, Raslan and Troglodyte look the three to concentrate on in a competitive opener and the narrow vote is given to Spirit Of New York. The selection won well last time out when beating High Jack. Granted this is tougher but he is a progressive type and under conditions that suit he is taken to score. Raslan rates the main danger on his best form but he was slightly disappointing at Cheltenham last time out and although this looks easier he looks worth taking on at likely odds. Troglodyte is another that has ran with promise in the past but his overall profile leaves him with plenty to find. Of the remainder, Abit Irish could improve for the step up in trip but he will need to do so to trouble the principals and for the winner we are happy to return to Spirit Of New York.
Spirit of New York (IRE) 15-8 (11-0) Tracked leaders, led after 3 out, clear when hit 2 out, easily, won at Stratford 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Mar beating High Jack (11-0) by 6l, 15 ran.
Raslan 25-1 (10-12) Always in rear, lost touch before 6th, 12th of 15, well behind Massini's Maguire (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl Grd 1 (1) gs in Mar.
Gaining Ground (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 11th of 12, well behind Harrycone Lewis (10-12) at Huntingdon 3m 2f nh nov hdl (E) gd in Dec '05.
Quinta de Lobo 50-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, reminders after 6th, weakened after next, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by The Painkiller (10-12) at Uttoxeter 3m nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov, 10 ran.
Troglodyte 25-1 (10-4) In touch, pushed along 4th, weakened before 3 out, 15th of 16, well behind Albertas Run (10-9) at Sandown 2m 4f nov hcp hdl Grd 3 (1) hvy in Mar.
Abit Irish (NZ) 10-1 (11-9) In rear and keen, not jump well, kept on through beaten horses, 8th of 16, 30l behind Go Harvey Go (10-13) at Towcester 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd in Mar.
