made all, took keen hold, quickened clear from 3 out, easily
tracked winner until after 3rd, in rear from 5th, weakened from 4 out
in rear and in touch, went 3rd from 5th, weakened from next
tracked leaders, chased winner after 3rd, blundered 5th, ridden after 3 out, no chance with winner
ABSINTHE has been fairly consistent since opening his account over hurdles at the first time of asking at Bangor in January and should have few problems getting favourite backers off to a good start in this, despite conceding weight all round. Stagecoach Jasper has hinted at ability in bumpers but had an alternative engagement yesterday at Newcastle. Barton Bounty has won on the Flat but the others need to improve out of all recognition if they are to figure.
Absinthe (IRE) 4-6fav (11-8) Held up towards rear, headway to 3rd before 3 out, stayed on to dispute well held 2nd 1f out, no impression on winner, lost 3rd last stride, 4th of 8, 6l behind Makbullet (11-1) at Kelso 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Barton Bounty 100-1 (11-2) Always behind, tailed off, last of 14, well behind Agent Archie (11-9) at Newcastle 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Here's Hockey 13-2 (11-2) Held up towards rear, ridden 2f out, weakened and eased over 1f out, last of 9, well behind Ron (10-8) at Doncaster 2m NH flat (6) gd.
Stagecoach Jasper 16-1 (11-1) Took keen hold towards rear, plugged on final 2f, never on terms, 7th of 12, 21l behind Gonow (10-3) at Sedgefield 2m 1f NH flat (6) gd.
Few And Far 11-1 (10-9) Mid-division, headway 7f out, ridden over 4f out, soon struggling, tailed off, 11th of 12, well behind Swinging Sultan (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 1f NH flat (6) gs in Dec.
