chased leaders, went 2nd after 3 out until before last, no extra flat
held up, not much room 3 out, edged left on bend just after, headway before 2 out, went 2nd approaching last until towards finish, one pace
led until 8th, led 4 out, all out
chased leader, led 8th, headed 4 out, mistake next, weakened before 2 out
held up in rear, not fluent 3 out, hampered on bend just after, headway before last, went 2nd towards finish, not reach winner
held up in rear, headway when not fluent 6th, weakened before last
NonRunner
The last three winners of this face the starter again in the day’s feature. Forest Bihan was successful in 2017 and is respected but NUTS WELL meets 2016 winner Theflyingportrait on the same terms as when relegating that one to third place last year. Simply Ned was fourth and usually needs a run to put him straight nowadays so Ann Hamilton’s gelding can double up. Richard Newland has a dual-pronged attack with Mcgroarty and Theo and neither can be ignored while Ballyhill adds further interest to a fascinating renewal.
Simply Ned (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, pushed along in 6th from 2 out, switched right and closed from before last where left moderate 2nd and slightly impeded, ran on well run-in to lead close home, won at Leopardstown 2m 1f (1) gd in Dec beating Footpad (11-12) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Forest Bihan (FR) 17-2 (11-9) Chased leaders, driven and outpaced before 3 out (usual 4 out), never able to challenge, weakened last, 7th of 12, 17 3/4l behind Azzuri (10-2) at Ayr 2m hcp lst (1) gd in Apr.
Mcgroarty (IRE) 15-8fav (11-12) Made all, driven approaching last, stayed on well, won at Stratford 2m 1f hcp (2) gd in Jul beating Dandridge (10-4) by 3l, 5 ran.
Ballyhill (FR) 9-1 (10-6) In touch, outpaced 3 out, weakened from next, 16th of 27, dist behind Cadmium (11-2) at Aintree 2m 5f hcp (1) sft in Apr.
Theo (IRE) 3-1 (11-3) Held up, went 2nd 6th, challenged 3 out, ridden approaching last, held towards finish, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Sizing Platinum (11-12) at Worcester 2m hcp (2) gd in Sep.
Nuts Well 9-1 (11-12) Always behind, mistake 3 out, jumped badly left last, never a factor, 6th of 8, 28 3/4l behind Bigmartre (11-12) at Perth 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Theflyingportrait (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) With leader, led 2nd, made rest, ridden clear after 2 out, in no danger after, stayed on well, won at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in Sep beating Tidal Watch (12-0) by 6l, 8 ran.
