chased leaders, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, no chance with winner
mid-division until 5f out
chased leaders, led well over 3f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, kept on same pace
always behind, pulled up before halfway
led and soon clear, headed well over 3f out, one pace after
towards rear, headway 4f out, weaken 2f out
always behind, tailed off
held up behind, smooth headway from half way, led on bit over 1f out, impressive
chased leaders, outpaced 5f out, stayed on from 2f out
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, one pace after
in touch, headway 5f out, ridden 3f out, hung badly left final furlong
In the bumper that closes the card, we like the look of Hollywood over Ballybough Jack, The Gaffer, Our Men and Noland. The selection improved on his debut run to finish a good second to Yaboya over course and distance last time and, in what does not appear to be the strongest race of its kind, looks to hold leading claims today. Turning to the others and, owned by David Johnson, Ballybough Jack could be interesting on his Rules debut. Blakeney Run showed some promise here on his debut, although he was behind Hollywood on that occasion, while Double Law, from the Paul Webber yard, could also be worth a look. He's The Gaffer was badly hampered at a crucial point at Ludlow last time, but still showed enough to warrant some kind of consideration today, while connections went to 18,000 guineas to secure Il Capriccio. Our Men is related to winners and has shown some bumper promise and, interestingly, is fitted with first-time blinkers today. Royal Cliche is also related to winners and is another to pay some heed to, while Thenameescapesme is related to some Flat winners. Much as Noland only cost 2,500 euros, his dam is a half-sister to the likes of Bosra Sham and Hector Protector, and he hails from a strong stable, although he was foaled fairly late. Brandy Bay is another to have shown promise in this sphere, while the betting might guide as to how Magical Legend and Mister El Bee stand in the Brendan Powell pecking order from his three runners. This returns us to the selection, which is Hollywood.
Blakeney Run 66-1 Held up towards rear, ridden 4f out, weakened 3f out, 6th of 16, 21l behind Yaboya at Wincanton 2m nhf (H) gs in Feb.
Celtic Jem (IRE) 3-1 Held up in touch, chased leader and every chance 4f out, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, 5th of 14, 48l behind Mister Quasimodo at Exeter 2m 1f nhf (H) gs in Feb.
Double Law Double Trigger gelding, half-brother to winning bumper and hurdler Tisho.
Durnovaria (IRE) 12-1 Always behind, 14th of 15, well behind Mendo at Sandown 2m nhf (H) gs in Feb.
Hansan Buoy (IRE) Anshan gelding, half-brother to a maiden Flat plater.
He's The Gaffer (IRE) 12-1 Keen, chased leaders, led over 5f out, headed when hampered bend over 3f out, soon ridden and beaten, 2nd of 11, 17l behind Don And Gerry at Ludlow 2m nhf (H) gs in Jan.
Il Capriccio (IRE) Windsor Castle gelding, half-brother to winning Irish 2m hurdler Boston Melody and fair pointer Lord Of The Mist.
Star Galaxy (IRE) Fourstars Allstar gelding, half-brother to winning bumper Maryland.
Thenameescapesme Alderbrook gelding, half-brother to 5f-7f winner Baligay and 1m1f winner Vision Lady.
Villa Mara (IRE) 16-1 Always behind, 11th of 15, well behind Mendo at Sandown 2m nhf (H) gs in Feb.
Noland Exit To Nowhere gelding, dam a promising second over 1m only start.
Brandy Bay 14-1 Held up in touch, every chance over 3f out, weakend over 1f out, 4th of 15, 24l behind Youwontcatchmenow at Chepstow 2m mrs nhf (H) sft in Feb.
Hollywood 6-1 Chased leaders, led after 7f, headed over 3f out, rallied and stayed on final furlong, 2nd of 16, 2l behind Yaboya at Wincanton 2m nhf (H) gs in Feb.
Magical Legend Midnight Legend filly, half-sister to winning bumper Magical Wonderland and hurdler Demesme.
