tracked leaders, headway over 3f out, switched left and effort over 1f out, soon ridden and one pace
mid-division, lost place over 7f out, soon tailed off when pulled up 2f out
held up and behind, headway 6f out, effort 4f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out
in touch, challenged 5f out, ridden and weakened 3f out
held up in rear, driven and headway over 3f out, ridden and stayed on strongly final 2f, nearest finish
held up, outpaced over 6f out, never dangerous
mid-division, took closer order halfway, challenged 3f out, ridden and stayed on to lead inside final furlong, all out (hand timed)
chased leader, lost place over 5f out, soon ridden and weakened
steady pace, ridden 3f out, kept on until headed, no extra inside final furlong
The bumper can go to Starting Point, who is selected ahead of Heraldry and Harbour Breeze. The selection was a good second to a decent type in Alfie Flits on his debut over 14 furlongs here and, with Richard Johnson booked - he does well for the stable - we will make him the choice. Tony McCoy heading to Carlisle to take the ride on Pat Haslam's dual winner, Heraldry, catches the eye gelding runner also has a double penalty to shoulder. That said, he is respected. Harbour Breeze (who is down to run on Saturday at the time of writing) was a very good second to Cheltenham Festival also-ran Shady Willow at Punchestown last time and rates a major player if lining up today. Watch the market with regard to Red Square Run, while Windygate is bred for this game but will need to show more than he did on his debut in order to feature and, much as the stable can get winners in this grade, Floral Future is stoutly bred. Once again, then, for the selection we return to Starting Point.
Heraldry (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, ridden over 4f out, every chance 2f out, no extra close home, 2nd of 20, 2l behind Night Safe (11-4) at Haydock 2m nhf (6) hvy in Feb.
Ardent Number 25-1 (10-9) Towards rear, pushed along and struggling from halfway, last of 15, well behind Balamory Dan (10-11) at Perth 2m nhf (H) gs in Sept.
Windygate (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Behind, ridden over 6f out, weakened over 5f out, 8th of 13, 38l behind Stolen Moments (11-2) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Al Falcon Alflora colt out of a moderate racemare.
Floral Future Alflora mare out of a moderate racemare.
Harbour Breeze (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, 7th halfway, progress 4f out, 3rd and ridden 3f out, 2nd and no impression straight, 2nd of 18, 7l behind Shady Willow (11-2) at Punchestown 2m nhf gs in Feb.
Red Square Run Commanche Run gelding out of winning hurdler Absolutley Foxed.
Starting Point 100-1 (10-12) Close up, ridden over 3f out, chased winner final furlong, kept on, no impression, 2nd of 13, 7l behind Alfie Flits (11-3) at Carlisle 1m 6f 4yo nhf (6) sft in Feb.
