in touch, lost place 5th, headway next, led 3 out, driven out
tracked leaders, led 7th, headed next, soon ridden and weakened
led until ridden and headed 7th, soon weakened
held up, ridden approaching 4 out, stayed on from 2 out, never nearer
held up, headway 5th, never on terms
held up, headway approaching 7th, every chance 3 out, stayed on same pace flat
mid-division, hit 4th, headway 6th, clipped heels and fell after 7th
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up towards rear, pushed along 3rd, headway approaching 6th, soon chasing leaders, one pace from 2 out
mid-division, ridden and headway 6th, weaken quickly after 3 out
chased leaders until weakened 3 out
in touch, ridden and effort 6th, weakened 2 out
prominent, mistake 3rd, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
held up towards rear, headway 5th, weaken next, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
A difficult start to the day's proceedings for backers and, in what seems a wide-open contest, the somewhat tentative vote goes to Eviyrn who gets the verdict over Begsy's Bullet and Good Thyne Johnny. The last mentioned made a satisfactory return at Uttoxeter on Boxing Day and should step up on form there, while top weight Begsy's Bullet reverts to hurdles having disappointed back over the larger obstacles last time. Kevin Morgan's pair Crazy Mazie and Macreater are worthy of a mention, while Anguilla could be interesting in such moderate company if fit enough after an absence of 16 months. The unexposed Dervalloc and the Ian Williams-trained Colvada are others worth a second look but preference is for Eviyrn. The son of In The Wings has at least been showing fair form this season and should not be inconvenienced by either trip or ground. In a poor race, Eviyrn looks the best bet.
