tracked leader, joined leader 5 out, led before 4 out, ridden clear before last
in touch in 4th place, went 3rd before 3 out, no extra from last
tracked leaders in 3rd, mistake 5 out, weakened before 3 out
in rear, weakened after 3 out
towards rear, headway before 3 out, kept on to chase winner run-in, no impression
led, headed before 4 out, challenged 3 out, weakened run-in
As is the norm, this Grade 2 has attracted some progressive novices. It’s taken a while for the penny to drop with Waterlord but he’s won his last two by a total of 26 lengths. First Flow is another on a hat-trick while there was a lot to like about Lisdoonvarna Lad’s debut victory at Wetherby, though this is a big step up in class. Mcgowan's Pass obviously likes the mud but has an even bigger mountain to climb, though there are possibilities about Midnight Shadow who was second in a Listed race here before giving vain pursuit to the useful Mont Des Avaloirs at Aintree. LOSTINTRANSLATION only won a Newbury maiden but winners have come out of that race and an earlier close second to Claimantakinforgan at the Berkshire course was a solid effort – he looks one to follow.
First Flow (IRE) 6-5fav (11-5) Soon led as no one else wanted to, jumped slickly, clear going easily before 2 out, shaken up between last 2, unchallenged, won at Newbury 2m (4) hvy in Dec beating Dell Oro (11-5) by 20l, 6 ran.
Lisdoonvarna Lad (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) In touch, stumbled on landing 4th, headway 4 out, led approaching next, drew clear last, easily, won at Wetherby 2m (4) sft in Dec beating Quest For Life (10-12) by 11l, 12 ran.
Lostintranslation (IRE) 9-4fav (11-0) Made all, joined 3 out, 2 lengths ahead next, jumped slowly last, kept on well run-in, won at Newbury 2m mdn (3) sft in Dec beating Admiral Barratry (11-0) by 3 1/2l, 13 ran.
Mcgowan's Pass 11-4 (11-0) Prominent, led before and hit last, soon ridden, kept on well towards finish, won at Ayr 2m mdn (5) hvy in Dec beating Cool Mix (11-0) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran.
Midnight Shadow 13-8 (11-4) Tracked leaders, went 2nd after 3 out, led after 2 out, driven and headed when jumped right last, held final 120 yards, 2nd of 3, 3l behind Mont Des Avaloirs (10-12) at Aintree 2m 1f (3) hvy in Dec.
Waterlord 6-4fav (11-4) Made all, drawing clear when flattened 2 out, easily, won at Haydock 2m (4) hvy in Dec beating Mahlervous (11-4) by 15l, 6 ran.
