pressed leader, led 6th, headed narrowly 4 out, soon ridden, kept on and every chance until not quicken approaching last, no impression in clear 2nd flat
held up 5th and last, driven and outpaced approaching 4 out, kept on same pace, never on terms
led to 6th, tracked leader, lost place approaching 4 out, soon ridden and no impression with leaders, stayed on to press for 3rd flat
held up in 4th, went 3rd approaching 4 out, soon no chance with front pair, just held on for 3rd
tracked leading pair, challenged after 5 out, led narrowly next, pushed clear approaching last, stayed on well
Civil Unrest is tried in blinkers after several disappointing efforts following his victory at Musselburgh in November. LORD OF DRUMS steps up in trip after making all over 2m1f at Hexham. He wasn't stopping at the finish that day and, as a winner between the flags, should be even better over today's distance and gets the vote. Riskier was in fine shape early last summer but his recent form leaves plenty to be desired while Nowurhurlin has been well beaten in both starts over fences.
Civil Unrest (IRE) 5-1 (11-6) Prominent until not fluent 1st, tracked leaders, not fluent 6th or 7th, lost place 10th, weakened after next, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Be My Deputy (11-11) at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd, 9 ran.
Justjoe (IRE) 25-1 (11-7) Mid-division, ridden before 3 out, kept on same pace, never on terms, 8th of 18, 35l behind Mootabar (9-13) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gs.
Lord Of Drums (IRE) 5-2fav (11-9) Made all, pressed 2 out, soon left clear, stayed on well, won at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs beating On Gossamer Wings (11-3) by 8l, 8 ran.
Nowurhurlin (IRE) 10-3 (11-3) Held up towards rear, tracked leaders in 3rd from 3rd, joined leader 6th, left 2nd 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 6, 16l behind Fred Bojangals (10-11) at Carlisle 2m 1f clm hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Riskier 5-1 (11-6) Led, blundered 7th, headed 4 out, soon weakened, 6th of 9, 36l behind Quite The Man (11-12) at Carlisle 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Mar.