chased leaders, led 2nd, headed 5th, remind close up, challenging when hit 3 out, ridden next, hung left flat, kept on to lead last 75 yards
prominent until outpaced and ridden along approaching 9th, weakened after 4 out
held up in touch, chased leaders 7th, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, soon under pressure, headed last 75 yards, no extra
led, headed 2nd, hit and led again 5th, hit 3 out, ridden and headed approaching next, weakened last
held up, hit 5th, some headway approaching 3 out, ridden 2 out, weakened next
held up, effort in 4th when saddled slipped 2 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders until lost place 9th, tailed off from next
Mister McGoldrick could get the Merseyside punters off to a good start at the expense of Southern raiders Armaturk, Golden Alpha and Tysou. Sue Smith's charge didn't win too many friends in the early part of the season but whatever problems he had look to be things of the past and he couldn't have been more impressive in victories at Ayr and Wetherby. Armaturk chased home stable companion Azertyuiop at Sandown earlier this month. He is likely to force the issue here but there is still the suspicion that he is not the same horse that he was a few seasons ago. Golden Alpha has ability but invariably hits the odd fence or two. These fences are unforgiving and he will not be allowed to make those mistakes in this company. Tysou represents the Nicky Henderson team. Rarely a Saturday seems to go by without the Seven Barrows handler taking a prize. He is strictly held by Armaturk on a recent run at Doncaster and seems much more suited to Mick Fitzgerald, rather than Marcus Foley's handling. Bleu Superbe is an in-and-out character at the best of time but he does seem to go well at this track and could rank a lively outsider. Keltic Bard needs softer ground and could struggle in this company. The North are given the nod on this occasion and Mister McGoldrick is selected in the opener.
