raced keenly, led, clear after 3rd until after 3 out, headed before 2 out, weakened quickly
held up in last, went 3rd before 2 out, trying to press for 2nd when mistake last, well held flat
chased leaders, went 2nd before 2 out, led approaching last, edged right and drew clear flat, stayed on well
chased leader who was clear after 3rd until after 3 out, led before 2 out, headed approaching last, no impression on winner flat
Caius Marcius beat Ask Paddington more than three lengths in this last year and is 19lb better off with the runner-up, though the latter has been in better form lately. BROOMFIELD BURG (NAP) was last seen finishing sixth in a Grade 3 handicap at Aintree. That was his first try over this trip and he was staying on strongly on the run-in – he has more scope than his rivals. Eritage hasn’t run over hurdles since February 2020.
Eritage (FR) 14-1 (12-0) Chased leaders, lost place 3rd, reminders after next, behind and not fluent 6th, pulled up before 4 out, at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (2) gd in Jun.
Broomfield Burg (IRE) 9-1 (10-10) Held up towards rear, hampered 7th, headway after 4 out, ridden before 3 out, steady progress under pressure before last, one pace flat, 6th of 21, 11 3/4l behind Langer Dan (11-1) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (1) gs in Apr.
Ask Paddington (IRE) 2-1fav (11-3) Held up in last, headway before 2 out, challenged last, rider dropped whip flat, led towards finish, won at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Jun beating Merry Berry (11-2) by 1/2l, 5 ran.
Caius Marcius (IRE) 11-2 (10-12) Led until before 2 out, 3rd and held last, kept on, 3rd of 6, 6 1/4l behind Bashful Boy (11-6) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Jun.
