prominent, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, led over 2f out, kept on well
led, headed over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, went 2nd place inside final furlong until close home
held up in rear, ridden over 1f out, never dangerous
held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, soon headway, kept on well inside final furlong to take 2nd place close home
with leader, lost place over 2f out, no impression after
tracked leaders, challenged over 3f out, every chance over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on
held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out until inside final furlong, soon weakened
Vive Le Roi was out his depth in a Listed contest at Cheltenham in November and may also struggle here under a 7lb penalty. Ballycrystal won a point-to-point in October and shaped with promise on his debut under Rules at Musselburgh when only beaten a length-and-a-quarter. He looks the pick of those with experience ahead of Jack Lamb, William Hunter and Cougar's Gold but it would be no surprise to see one of the newcomers come out on top. He Likes Tobouggie is a half-brother to two winning milers and catches the eye but Dan Skelton's FOCACCIA is a half-brother to top-class chaser God's Own and may just have his measure.
Vive Le Roi (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Held up behind, struggling over 4f out, never dangerous, 9th of 13, 29 3/4l behind Ballyandy (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m lst (1) gs in Nov.
Ballycrystal (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Held up mid-division, headway over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, headed towards finish, no extra, 3rd of 11, 1 1/4l behind Atomix (11-7) at Musselburgh 2m mdn (6) sft in Feb.
Cougar's Gold (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) In rear, headway 8f out, struggling over 6f out, soon behind, 6th of 8, dist behind Ballymalin (11-0) at Chepstow 2m (4) hvy in Jan.
Focaccia (IRE) Milan gelding out of Dantes Term.
He Likes Tobouggie Tobougg gelding out of Tamise.
Man O'words (IRE) Scorpion gelding out of Mrs Malt.
Toosey Lucarno gelding out of Quiz Night.
Jack Lamb 9-4 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway over 4f out, soon chasing leaders, never able to challenge, 3rd of 8, 21l behind Applaus (10-12) at Wetherby 1m 4f (6) sft in Dec.
Popelys Gull (IRE) Recharge gelding out of Circus Rose.
William Hunter 4-1 (10-12) In touch in mid-division, headway on inside 6f out, every chance over 3f out, soon beaten, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 8, 22l behind Rodneythetrotter (10-12) at Huntingdon 1m 6f (6) sft in Nov.
