tracked leaders, led 4 out, headed 3 out challenged last, led run-in, driven out
tracked leaders in 3rd, led 2 out, ridden before last, headed run-in, kept on towards finish
led to 10th, weakened from 4 out, tailed off
in rear, headway from 3 out, went 4th before 2 out, one pace and no impression
tracked leader, led 10th, headed 4 out, led 3 out, headed and mistake 2 out, ridden before last, no extra last 100 yards
Two Irish raiders add spice to an interesting novice chase. The Crawford team are strongly represented once again through Man With Van, an interesting recruit to fences and facing conditions that he is proven upon. He does tackle 3m for the first time though and therefore KNOCKANRAWLEY is preferred. Kim Bailey's string is in decent current form and a lot of pundits have been waiting to see the son of Portrait Gallery have his attention turned to the larger obstacles. Obviously, everything will depend on the quality of fencing on offer but it is interesting that Bailey is keeping the gelding on the go. Fellow Irish raider, Mr Cosmopolitan, is experienced over fences and could be the one to take advantage if the newcomers fail to fire, although The Shrimp hasn't been running too badly in ordinary northern handicap chases either.
Knockanrawley (IRE) 2-1 (11-3) Took keen hold tracking leading pair, reminder after 4 out, went 2nd before next, led before 2 out, idled in front, ridden flat, held on nearing finish, all out, won at Ffos Las 3m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Mar beating Ashes House (11-8) by nk, 4 ran.
Man With Van (IRE) 6-5fav (11-9) In rear, headway before 5 out, chased winner before last, soon ridden, kept on towards finish, 2nd of 5, nk behind Forward Flight (10-6) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) hvy in Mar.
Mr Cosmopolitan (IRE) 13-2 (11-6) Tracked leaders on inner, fell 4th, in a race won by Knock Beauty (10-2) at Navan 2m 4f hcp chs 0-123 hvy in Mar, 10 ran.
Water Garden (FR) 6-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, headway before 6th, went 3rd at the 8th, ridden after 4 out, no impression, 3rd of 8, 45l behind Big Time Billy (11-2) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gf in May '13.
Wolf Shield (IRE) 9-1 (10-4) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd at 8th, ridden and lost place before 3 out, weakened next, tailed off, 7th of 9, 42l behind Lie Forrit (11-12) at Kelso 3m 3f hcp hdl (2) gd in Mar.
The Shrimp (IRE) 4-1fav (9-7) Led until 4 out, 4th and no extra when blundered 2 out, 9th of 10, 30l behind Debt To Society (10-11) at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp chs 0-100 (5) gs in Apr.
