tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, headway to lead over 2f out, kept on, headed inside last
held up, ridden and headway over 4f out, kept on
tracked leaders until saddle slipped halfway, led until headed 3 out, ridden and kept on
prominent until ridden and weakened over 3f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, kept on one pace
always towards rear
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 3f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
mid-division and keen early, ridden and headway to chase leaders over 3f out, soon one pace
led until headed halfway, soon gradually weakened
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, staying on when hampered and switched right inside last, driven and kept on to lead close home
mid-division, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out
A wide open bumper rounds off the card and as usual in these types of events the market will be all important but the main protagonists look to be Top Dressing Turbulent Flight, and Special Ballot and the confident vote is given to Top Dressing. The selection is a well bred sort from a yard in top form and he will not need to be anything special to win this race on his debut as those that have run look fairly moderate. Turbulent Flight rates the main danger on his debut fourth behind Winter Star. He is sure to have learnt from the experience and should be monitored in the market. Special Ballot is another worthy of respect as he showed a modicum of ability on his debut and is another that is sure to improve especially with his yard in top form. Of the remainder Rocca's Boy hails from a predominantly flat yard and is another that catches the eye on breeding but in a race that throws up more questions than answers and where the market will be very informative for the winner we return to Top Dressing.
Dundock Cloudings gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler/chaser Paxford Jack. RIEN A PERDRE
Rothbury 15-2 (11-1) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 6th of 16, 10l behind According To Pete (11-6) at Catterick 2m nhf (H) gd in Nov.
Talisker Rock (IRE) 25-1 (10-11) Led, headed over 2f out, weakened, 8th of 14, 39l behind Malt de Vergy (11-8) at Kelso 2m nhf (H) gf in May.
Top Dressing (IRE) Rashar gelding, full brother to useful hurdler/chaser Full Irish.
Tuatara Bay (IRE) 9-1 (10-11) Held up, chased leader 6f out, weakened over 4f out, 7th of 11, 37l behind Spitfire Sortie (11-1) at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) sft.
Blizzard Beach (IRE) Saddlers' Hall mare, half-sister to winning jumper Almier.
Clovella Missed Flight filly out of an unraced mare.
Special Ballot (IRE) 5-1 (10-11) Held up, headway 6f out, chased leaders over 3f out, soon ridden, no impression, 7th of 19, 18l behind Young Albert (11-4) at Ayr 2m nhf (H) sft in Dec.
Turbulent Flight 5-1 (10-6) Towards rear, headway over 4f out, soon ridden, kept on, 4th of 10, 15l behind Winter Star (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (H) gf in Dec.
Rocca's Boy (IRE) Spectrum gelding, half-brother to winning stayer Discreet Brief.
Blast The Past Past Glories filly, half-sister to 7f winner Whirlwind.
Falcon's Tribute (IRE) Beneficial filly out of an unraced chasing-bred mare.
Don Castille (USA) 6-1 (10-7) In touch, every chance 3f out, soon ridden and weakened, 6th of 7, 29l behind Albertas Run (11-12) at Haydock 2m nhf (6) sft.
