raced keenly, led until headed between last 2, ridden and no extra flat
tracked leaders, headway to lead between last 2, soon clear, easily
tired from halfway, never dangerous
mistakes, always behind, pulled up before 4 out
mistakes, behind, struggling from halfway, never dangerous
chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, soon ridden no impression
always behind
in touch, outpaced 9th, weakening when blundered 3 out, behind when pulled up before last
tracked leader, outpaced between last 2, ridden and stayed on to go 2nd flat, no impression
in touch, blundered 6th, soon lost place
mid-division, outpaced 7th, ridden 2 out, never on terms
mid-division, outpaced halfway, no danger after
soon well behind, never dangerous
Brooklyn Brownie gets the confident vote here with American President and Uptown Lad rating the main dangers. The selection won well last time out when beating Mukle Flugga and although having a penalty for that win he looks a progressive type and he is taken to defy the handicapper under conditions that suit. American President rates the main danger as he won well last time out when beating Hush Tiger but that form has since been let down and he will do well to give weight and a beating to the selection. Uptown Lad was a fair second behind Westmeath Flyer last time and is another with place claims but on hurdles form he has a little to find with the selection. Lethem Air is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but he is hard to win with and in a race where the market will be very informative for the winner we return to Brooklyn Brownie.
American President (IRE) 6-4fav (11-0) Tracked leader, led 3rd, made rest, ridden out, won at Hexham 2m nh nov hdl (4) gf beating Hush Tiger (11-0) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
Brooklyn Brownie (IRE) 15-2 (10-9) Mid-division, headway 3 out, led next, soon ridden, stayed on under pressure flat, won at Perth 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Apr beating Muckle Flugga (10-4) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
Lethem Air 11-2 (11-5) Tracked leaders, effort 3 out, weakened between last 2, 9th of 16, 26l behind Fiddlers Creek (10-4) at Kelso 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd.
Mr Hawkeye (USA) 5-1 (11-7) Pulled hard in mid-division, headway 12th and in touch, ridden and weakened 3 out, virtually pulled up flat, 7th of 11, well behind Jupiter's Fancy (11-7) at Hexham 3m 1f hts chs (6) gf.
Sovereign State (IRE) 9-1 (10-2) In touch, headway and close up approaching 2 out, soon ridden and effort, no extra approaching last, 4th of 7, 10l behind North Landing (9-7) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gf.
Topinambour (FR) (9-13) Always rear, 11th of 20, well behind Maletton (9-13) at Auteuil 2m 2f lst hdl hvy in Oct '04.
Uptown Lad (IRE) 6-4fav (11-0) Held up, headway 11th, chased winner 3f out, challenged next, ridden and every chance last, kept on same pace flat, 2nd of 6, 1l behind Westmeath Flyer (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 4f beg chs (4) gs.
Miss Kilkeel (IRE) 33-1 (10-6) Mid-division, progress into 3rd 2 out, soon no impression on winner, 2nd of 24, 3 1/2l behind Kells Castle (10-7) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-109 gs in Apr.
