led, shaken up when hard pressed after 2 out, ridden after last, kept on until headed and no extra towards finish
tracked leader, effort to challenge 2 out, ridden between last 2, stayed on to lead narrowly towards finish
tracked leaders, outpaced by clear pair when not fluent 3 out, no chance in modest 3rd after
held up in rear, mistake 5th, blundered 8th and again 4 out, left well behind from next, tailed off
tracked leaders on outside, mistake 7th and again next, lost place 4 out, no chance in modest 4th from next
This looks a virtual match between previous winners Elf De Re and KILTEALY BRIGGS. The former is improving and was a wide-margin winner over 2m here five weeks ago but the proven stamina of the latter may be decisive. Jamie Snowden’s raider was an excellent third in a Grade 2 over 3m at Cheltenham last month having stayed on strongly to score over 2m4f at Hexham previously.
Elf De Re (FR) 7-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, led 4 out, headed 3 out, son regained lead, clear before last, won at Kelso 2m mdn (4) sft in Dec beating Cool Country (11-0) by 21l, 11 ran.
Kiltealy Briggs (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, went 2nd after 3rd racing keenly, led after 5th, headed after 7th, led 9th, hit 2 out, headed before last, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 8, 6 1/2l behind Redford Road (10-12) at Cheltenham 3m (1) sft in Dec.
Folks Like Us (IRE) 4-1 (11-11) Mid div, 8th 1/2way, in rr 4out, wknd & pu aftr 2out, at Kirkistown 3m mdn Soft - Heavy in Nov.
Schiehallion Ridge (IRE) 150-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 12th of 16, dist behind Corrieben Reiver (10-12) at Ayr 2m (4) sft in Oct.
Lissen To The Lady (IRE) 125-1 (10-7) Always towards rear, 9th of 11, dist behind Elf De Re (11-0) at Kelso 2m mdn (4) sft in Dec.
Pentelitubby 125-1 (11-6) Bit keen, held up in last trio, jumped right 5th, tailed off when hit 3 out, 6th of 8, dist behind Red Reminder (10-13) at Sedgefield 2m 4f mdn (4) sft in Jan.
