tracked leader, jinked right on home bend, outpaced from over 3f out
held up towards rear, pushed along over 5f out, weakened over 3f out
led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders in 3rd, led over 1f out, soon ridden, headed inside final furlong, kept on
held up mid-division, tracked leaders halfway, challenged over 1f out, kept on to lead inside final furlong
held up towards rear, pushed along over 4f out, soon weakened, tailed off
held up behind, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace
held up towards rear, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous
The four-year-old Applaus won a bumper over 1m4f in December but finished a well beaten third under a penalty at Newcastle last time. He is still preferred to point-to-point winner Move To The Groove but this can go to a newcomer. Lady Beaufort is a half-sister to the useful chaser Kadarann among others and Richard Johnson's presence suggests a big run is expected from her but RANDY PIKE is a half-brother to a bumper winner and trainer Nicky Richards' has a fine strike rate both at the course and in these events.
Coachie Bear 14-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, reminders over 7f out, tailed off, last of 9, dist behind Dante's Way (11-2) at Kelso 2m (5) gs in May.
Cully Mac (IRE) Coroner gelding out of Catch Those Kisses.
Move To The Groove (IRE) 7-2 (11-5) Tracked leader, led over 7f out, ridden and headed inside final 2f, no impression with front pair final furlong, lost modest 3rd towards finish, 4th of 8, 15l behind Tomngerry (11-12) at Catterick 2m (6) sft in Jan.
Randy Pike (IRE) Mahler gelding out of Niamh's Leader.
Lady Beaufort Shirocco M out of Kadassa.
Winter Link Rail Link M out of Winter Bloom.
Brackenmoss Rory Overbury gelding out of Thorterdykes Lass.
Speranza Bahri filly out of Toarmandowithlove.
Applaus (GER) 1-2fav (11-5) Led, ridden and headed well over 2f out, kept on same pace, no chance with front pair from over 1f out, 3rd of 9, 15 1/4l behind Red Indian (10-12) at Newcastle 1m 7f (6) hvy in Dec.
