disputed lead until headed 3 out, soon outpaced
tracked leaders, led 3 out, clear approaching last, comfortable
disputed lead until headed 3 out, ridden and kept on same pace
not jump well and many mistakes, tracked leader, dropped to 4th at 3rd, headway 4 out, pressed winner next, soon ridden and outpaced by winner approaching last
Only four runners after the defection of Imperial Esprit but an intriguing clash between Easy As That, who was 2-2 in bumpers last season, and ANY NEWS. The latter was impressive on his debut under Rules at Exeter with the runner-up going close in a novice hurdle at Taunton subsequently. According To Alex placed twice here at the end of last year before finishing down the field in a handicap at Wetherby and makes more appeal than Stratford third Brother Pat.
According To Alex (FR) 28-1 (10-3) Mid-division, headway to chase leaders 6th, weakened 3 out, 9th of 12, dist behind West To The Bridge (11-0) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Any News (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) In touch, smooth headway to press leader turning for home, ridden to lead over 1f out, stretched clear close home, won at Exeter 2m 1f (5) gf in Oct beating Glory And Honour (11-0) by 7l, 9 ran.
Brother Pat 66-1 (10-12) Prominent, not fluent and outpaced 2 out, kept on before last, went 3rd flat, no impression on front pair, 3rd of 11, 11l behind When You're Ready (10-12) at Stratford 2m (3) gs in Oct.
Easy As That (IRE) 9-4fav (11-9) Tracked leader, made most, came well clear final 2f, very easily, won at Musselburgh 2m (5) sft in Feb beating Onward Route (11-2) by 13l, 11 ran.
Imperial Esprit (IRE) 6-4 (11-0) Raced keenly, chased leading pair, tracked leader after 2nd until 6th, pushed along after 8th, weakened next, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out, at Plumpton 2m 5f mdn (4) hvy in Dec.
