in rear, soon mid-division, pushed along before 4 out, stayed on without threatening winner
disputed lead, every chance 4 out in second, kept on behind leader between 3 out and 2 out, jumped well last to challenge, held final 110 yards
mistake 3rd, in touch, disputed lead going out on second circuit, led 4 out, lost lead 3 out, soon weakened
towards rear, pushed along before 4 out, not a factor
tracked leaders, travelled well approaching 4 out, led 3 out, mistake 2 out, still led last, all out final 110 yards
held up towards rear, smooth headway before 4 out, soon every chance approaching 3 out, not pace of leader 2 out, stayed on after last
mistake 4th, soon pushed along, reminders after 11th, pulled up
prominent, ridden along before 4 out, kept on without threatening winner
Northern Beau was back to her best when runner-up to the less-exposed Danse Idol at Southwell and is one of the likely pace angles. The Bay Birch has been a grand servant for Matt Sheppard’s yard and seek a ninth victory over fences. Kapga De Lily is 5-6 this season and effective between 2m4f and 3m2f so goes on the shortlist again with Lucy Turner taking off 7lb but MOLLY CAREW also arrives in peak form. She’s won at Taunton and Newcastle this year and can be forgiven her mishap in between at Exeter which came in Listed company. Rose Of Aghaboe and Jubilympics are also respected.
The Bay Birch (IRE) 2-1 (11-4) Held up in rear, hampered 1st, went 3rd after 11th, went 2nd after last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 9 1/2l behind Espoir De Romay (11-10) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Mar.
Kapga De Lily (FR) 5-6fav (12-0) Led 3rd, shaken up 3 out, not fluent last, ridden flat, clear towards finish, won at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp (4) sft in Mar beating Martha Brae (11-5) by 7l, 3 ran.
Northern Beau (IRE) 9-4 (11-8) Jumped slightly right, led, joined 3 out, driven approaching 2 out, headed last, stayed on, 2nd of 4, 1/2l behind Danse Idol (11-8) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
Rose Of Aghaboe (IRE) 11-2 (11-7) Held up in rear, headway after 12th, 3rd before 16th, mistake 18th, held 2 out, 3rd of 11, 10 1/2l behind Volcano (11-12) at Warwick 3m 5f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
Molly Carew 11-4 (11-11) Prominent, close up 4th, led 7th, edged clear 3 out, not fluent 2 out, narrow advantage approaching last, stayed on strongly flat, won at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Mar beating Leverock Lass (10-5) by 3/4l, 7 ran.
Jubilympics 5-2 (11-8) Held up 4th, closer in 3rd at 2nd, pushed along before 3 out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 4, 4 1/4l behind Eaglehill (11-0) at Taunton 2m 6f hcp (4) sft in Mar.
Oriental Cross (IRE) 13-2 (11-4) Chased leaders, ridden after 14th, weakening when jumped left 3 out, 6th of 8, dist behind Grange Ranger (11-2) at Wetherby 2m 5f hcp (4) sft in Feb.
Lucca Lady (IRE) 3-1 (10-11) Chased winner, led 13th, headed 14th, held from 2 out but kept on, 2nd of 3, 4l behind Rose Of Aghaboe (11-0) at Warwick 3m hcp (3) sft in Feb.
