led, headed well before 2 out, blundered 2 out and weakened
held up in close 4th, ridden to chase leaders after 3 out, went 2nd between last 2, led last, ridden clear
tracked leaders in 3rd, not fluent 7th, ridden after 3 out and soon weakened
tracked leader 3rd, led well before 2 out, headed last, weakened run-in
Nonrunner
Femme d'Avril can defy a penalty on this quick reappearance, with Caislean Na Deirge seen as the only potential danger. David Pipe has wasted no time in turning Femme d'Avril out quickly after her romp at Hereford on Monday when she won with any amount in hand. The mare carries a 7lb penalty here, but connections are keen to strike again before she is re-assessed, and a look at today's opposition reveals that Tony McCoy should have an armchair ride. She gets 4lb from the topweight Caislean Na Deirge whom she had seven-lengths behind when the pair met on the latter's British debut at Chepstow a fortnight ago. Strictly on the form book, the Irish import has a good chance of turning the tables on today's terms, but Femme d'Avril has improved since, and the Evan Williams inmate has yet to score over fences. The rest make no appeal, and with no doubts about her ability to handle the testing going, the Pipe challenger can put her older rivals in the shade.
Caislean Na Deirge (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, ridden 8th, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 9, 8l behind All Sonsilver (10-7) at Chepstow 2m hcp chs 0-90 (5) hvy.
Golden Oak (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 10th of 12, well behind Money Order (10-12) at Newbury 2m nov hdl (3) sft.
Colony Hill (IRE) 33-1 (9-11) Chased leaders to approaching 3 out, weakened rapidly, 7th of 9, 37l behind Helen Wood (10-2) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft.
Ballyrainey (IRE) 40-1 (11-3) Close up, ridden 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 5, 31l behind Another Promise (11-7) at Huntingdon 2m nov chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Jan.
Femme D'avril (FR) 13-8fav (10-12) Tracked leader from 3rd, led 4 out, clear 2 out, eased close home, won at Hereford 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft beating Thievery (10-2) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
