LORD BALLIM was successful over course and distance last time when narrowly beating Hartside. He’s taken to confirm running today given the latter remains inconsistent and has since been well beaten at Doncaster behind third-placed Danceintothelight. Donald McCain’s charge looks a bigger threat on that form having won at Musselburgh in January while Endeavor is back on a winning mark but struggling to find his best.
Hartside (GER) 9-4fav (11-12) In last pair, well behind leaders 2nd, reminder after 4th, well beaten 3 out, went 4th flat, 4th of 5, 25 1/2l behind Today Please (11-4) at Doncaster 2m 1f hcp (4) sft in Mar.
Danceintothelight 4-1 (11-11) Set good gallop, clear 3rd until after 5th, headed 3 out, no impression on winner and lost 2nd last, 3rd of 5, 6 1/2l behind Today Please (11-4) at Doncaster 2m 1f hcp (4) sft in Mar.
Lord Ballim (FR) 11-2 (11-5) Towards rear, headway before 2 out, chased leader last, kept on to lead close home, won at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp (4) gs in Feb beating Hartside (11-9) by nk, 11 ran.
Endeavor 16-1 (10-8) Pulled hard tracking leaders, effort 2 out, weakened last, 5th of 9, 14 3/4l behind Whispering Storm (11-9) at Musselburgh 2m hcp (4) gd in Feb.
