took keen hold, with leader, led 5f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, went 4th over 2f out, no impression, stayed on same pace
tracked leaders on outside, took keen hold, outpaced over 3f out, stayed on same pace final 2f
held up towards rear, close enough 4f out, outpaced 3f out, well beaten final 2f
held up in rear, pushed along 4f out, well beaten final 3f
tracked leaders, lost place 5f out, soon behind
led, headed 5f out, kept on from over 1f out, no impression on winner
tracked leaders, went 2nd 3f out, led over 1f out, stayed on, pushed out
Shantou Express is a half-brother to winners on the Flat while Court Dancer and Shanroe are both brothers to hurdle winners. Floressa is related to a prolific winner in France and and her yard won this in 2017 but Harry Whittington trained last year’s winner and looks to have leading claims once again with WEAPONS OUT. The latter has the form in the book having placed in both starts in bumpers last year and gets the vote on his second at Musselburgh in December.
Shanroe Multiplex gelding out of Pugnacious Lady.
Weapons Out (FR) 4-5fav (11-0) Raced wide early, tracked leader, led over 6f out, headed narrowly 4f out, ridden and still every chance over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Yes No Maybe So (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m (5) gd in Dec.
Benson Beat Hollow gelding out of Karla June.
Chestnut Pete Native Ruler gelding out of Rabbit.
Court Dancer (IRE) Court Cave gelding out of Windsor Dancer.
Egypt Mill Duke 9-1 (10-12) Held up in 5th, ridden over 5f out, soon weakened, 7th of 8, 32 1/2l behind Book Of Invasions (10-12) at Doncaster 1m 5f (5) gf in Dec.
Shantou Express (IRE) Shantou gelding out of Spanker.
Floressa (FR) Poliglote filly out of Dona Rez.
