made all, clear 3 out, jumped left last, stayed on well
prominent when eased and pulled up before 8th
in touch, went 2nd 13th, ridden 3 out, no extra flat
held up, hit 13th, ridden after next, weakened flat
behind, headway 15th, ridden 3 out, went 2nd flat, no chance with winner
in touch, ridden approaching 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 3 out
mistakes, tracked leaders, lost place 4th, headway 11th, ridden after 4 out, 5th and beaten when fell last
tracked leaders, left 2nd 8th to 13th, weakened 16th, pulled up before 4 out
A true test of stamina is assured here and Murt's Man, Bobby Grant and Gola Cher are all respected. However, the rapidly improving Ballybrophy has progressed with each outing over fences and should make a bold bid to land the four-timer. The Simon Sherwood team were confident enough to enter the gelding for the Hennessey until the latter stages of declaration and it could be significant that they have sought an opening for their charge at this exact stage of the season. The son of Roselier has risen 18lb in the handicap since getting off the mark over fences at Ascot last season, but has passed each test he has faced with aplomb. Ballybrophy does have to keep improving to get the better of his more experienced rivals, but with only 11st-10lb and the in-form Tony Dobbin on his back, he has every chance of doing so; even though this looks set to be a gruelling contest when they eventually drive for the line.
