close up, went 2nd after 9th, ridden when hit 2 out, every chance flat, not run on near finish
made virtually all, ridden and 2 lengths clear when hit 2 out, all out
with winner, led after 7th until after next, mistake 9th, weakened 4 out
close up, blundered and unseated rider 7th
A better than average claimer and Celtic Son is the preference to Cousin Nicky and Admiral Peary. David Pipe's charge is hardly a bombproof selection as he is taking a massive drop in trip this afternoon but he raced well for a long way at Ascot on his most recent visit and if he can reproduce those sort of figures, there shouldn't be anything to touch him at this grade. Cousin Nicky hasn't won for over a year. He appeared to be better under forcing tactics in the past and it would be no surprise to see him raced prominently on this occasion. Going and trip are no problem. Admiral Peary is entirely capable on his day although he is very much at the pipe and slippers stage of his career. Orlyheart produced an uninspiring round at Ascot last month and is hastily shunted into the basement category. It's a surprise to see Celtic Son dropped to this level but he will attract plenty of interest and should be capable of making his class tell.
Celtic Son (FR) 7-1 (11-7) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd 12th, ridden after 3 out, lost 2nd approaching next, weakened soon after, 3rd of 7, 13l behind Fundamentalist (11-7) at Ascot 2m 5f Grad Ch (2) gf in Dec.
Cousin Nicky 10-3 (11-12) Made most, mistake 8th, headed 5 out, weakened approaching next, 4th of 6, 39l behind Noble Bily (10-4) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Dec.
Admiral Peary (IRE) 200-1 (11-4) Mid-division, in rear from 6th, left moderate 4th 2 out, 4th of 8, 34l behind Moon Over Miami (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m nov chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Nov.
Orlyheart (FR) 33-1 (10-6) In touch, ridden and weakened approaching 8th, tailed off, 7th of 9, well behind King Louis (11-3) at Ascot 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Dec.
