led, ridden and headed 3 out, kept on one pace, lost 2nd flat
tracked leader, led 3 out, clear last, pushed out
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, kept on to go 2nd flat, no threat to winner
BARNEY DWAN comes out best on these terms and faced a tough task when third behind the useful Ballyoptic, rated 155, at Exeter on his reappearance. He’s fancied to get the better of the consistent Solighoster, who made a winning start over fences at Ffos Las last month though is inferior to the selection over hurdles. Clondaw Cian went close at Ascot last time but the winner is rated 124 and he has plenty to find with today’s opposition on the bare form.
Solighoster (FR) 5-1 (11-3) Tracked leader until 2nd, 2nd again 5th until 8th, challenged 4 out, led next, clear from 2 out, comfortably, won at Ffos Las 3m (3) sft in Nov beating Joe Farrell (11-3) by 14l, 6 ran.
Barney Dwan (IRE) 6-4fav (11-1) Tracked leaders, hit 4th, outpaced by front pair 3 out, well held in 3rd after, 3rd of 5, 17 1/2l behind Ballyoptic (11-1) at Exeter 3m (2) sft in Nov.
Clondaw Cian (IRE) 17-2 (11-6) Mistake 2nd, held up towards rear, good headway on outside approaching 15th, went 2nd and hung right 2 out, challenged run-in, always just held, 2nd of 10, nk behind Toviere (11-0) at Ascot 3m hcp (3) gs in Nov.
