held up in touch in rear, last from 4th, went 4th again 4 out, pushed along after next, ridden in close 3rd 2 out, kept on same pace from last
made virtually all, joined briefly after 3 out, ridden 2 out, kept on well under pressure from last
tracked leaders, 2nd halfway, dropped to 3rd 3 out, soon ridden, 4th 2 out, soon no impression, kept on one paced run-in
soon tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd 3 out, ridden and strongly pressed winner 2 out, kept on under pressure from last
held up towards rear, 4th from 4th, ridden and dropped to last 4 out, soon weakened
BALNASLOW is hardly a stable star but he's been competing at a completely different level to this, including when fourth in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last time, and should have few problems gaining his second victory over fences. Hunting Party was tailed off when pulling up in that latter race while Harpsy Chord has failed to fulfil the promise shown in his early starts over fences. Ballyfinboy beat a strong field in a handicap at the Galway Festival last year but has gone backwards though he looks the main threat as Annie Oakley is making her debut over the bigger obstacles.
Ballyfinboy (IRE) 16-1 (11-1) Soon led, not fluent 5th, headed before next, no extra from 5 out, behind when pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Maguire's Glen (11-5) at Cork 2m 4f hcp hdl 80-102 hvy in Mar, 21 ran.
Balnaslow (IRE) 9-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, mistake 12th, challenged after 15th, every chance before 2 out, disputing 3rd and beaten last, weakened flat, 4th of 23, 22l behind Spring Heeled (11-6) at Cheltenham 3m 1f (2) gd in Mar.
Hunting Party (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) In touch, lost place 3rd, behind after, hampered 4 out, pulled up before next, in a race won by Spring Heeled (11-6) at Cheltenham 3m 1f (2) gd in Mar, 23 ran.
Harpsy Cord (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Soon close up, definite leader before 5th, joined approaching straight, headed 3 out, 3rd 2 out, soon no extra, 5th of 10, 28l behind Instant Impacked (9-12) at Gowran Park 2m 2f Handicap Chase (Grade B) (5yo+) sft in Mar.
Annie Oakley (IRE) 6-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, 2nd 4 out, ridden entering straight, weakened from 3 out, 9th of 12, well behind Express Du Berlais (10-8) at Down Royal 3m hcp hdl in Mar.
