led until 4th, led 9th, asserting 2 out, ridden clear flat
chased leaders, not fluent 3rd (water), pressing for 2nd from 2 out, pecked last, no impression on winner
chased winner, not fluent 3rd (water), led 4th, jumped right 8th, headed next, not fluent 10th (water) or 11th, jumped right 13th, pushed along after 3 out, held from 2 out
chased leaders, mistake 5th, behind 13th, blundered 3 out
NonRunner
Previously frustrating over fences, Ballymoy has won his last two at Catterick and Ludlow but that means he has to concede 12lb to ASK DILLON. Fergal O’Brien’s gelding fell on his only previous try over fences but he is a smart staying hurdler who deserves another chance over the larger obstacles. Fitzroy has only won a maiden hurdle so far but makes more appeal than Devour and Welsh Reign.
Ballymoy (IRE) 13-8fav (11-12) Held up behind leaders, pushed along briefly 6th, ridden after 15th, not much room on inside bend before 4 out, led next, stayed on well, won at Ludlow 3m hcp (3) gd in Mar beating Coolanly (11-12) by 2 1/2l, 5 ran.
Devour (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Led, ridden and headed 2 out, soon weakened, 5th of 9, 32 1/2l behind Storm Nelson (11-11) at Carlisle 3m 1f hcp (3) gs in Apr.
Fitzroy (IRE) 15-8 (11-4) Made virtually all, slow 2nd, shaken up and went clear before last, comfortably, won at Market Rasen 2m 5f mdn (4) gd in Apr beating Royal Pretender (11-4) by 8 1/2l, 8 ran.
Welsh Reign (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) In touch, headway 9th, outpaced from 12th, plugged on one pace from 2 out, 5th of 7, 15 1/2l behind Getareason (11-0) at Hexham 2m 4f (4) gs in May.
Ask Dillon (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Close up early stages, tracked leader after the 6th, not fluent 8th, pushed along 2 out, made strong challenge last, soon led and drew well clear run-in, won at Cheltenham 3m hcp (2) gd in Apr beating Storm Goddess (11-2) by 1 3/4l, 12 ran.
