tracked winner throughout, outpaced after 3 out, no chance in clear 2nd from next
tracked leaders in 4th, headway on outside 4 out, soon chased front pair, outpaced next, no chance in modest 3rd after
tracked leaders in 3rd, lost place after 4 out, soon behind, tailed off next, lost remote 4th closing stages
made all, drew clear from 2 out, stayed on well, easily
held up in rear, struggling 5th, soon lost touch, plugged on to take remote 4th closing stages, tailed off
Thumb Stone Blues is penalised for winning a maiden hurdle here earlier in the month. JUSTFORJAMES won at the same meeting but escapes a penalty for his success in a conditional and amateurs’ hurdle over course and distance. He won by a distance so looks to have every chance of going in again. Miss Lizzy Lamb was well beaten on her hurdling bow and it remains to be seen how well Instant Replay and Cousin Oscar fare taking on hurdles for the first time having both been placed in bumpers.
Thumb Stone Blues (IRE) 5-6fav (11-0) In touch, headway 4th, close up, led soon after 2 out, ridden out, won at Sedgefield 2m 5f mdn (4) gs in Dec beating Vancouver (11-0) by 7l, 8 ran.
Cousin Oscar (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) With leader, led over 3f out, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 9, 12 1/2l behind The Linksman (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 1f (6) gs in Dec.
Instant Replay (IRE) 7-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders, ridden and one pace over 2f out, 6th of 8, 22l behind Robin The Raven (11-2) at Towcester 2m mdn (5) gd in Nov.
Justforjames (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) Tracked leader, pressed leader 4th, led 6th, clear 2 out, pushed out, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f (4) gs in Dec beating Derintoher Yank (11-12) by 34l, 5 ran.
Miss Lizzy Lamb 200-1 (10-5) Always behind, weakened before 5 out, tailed off, 9th of 11, dist behind Master Of Irony (10-12) at Catterick 2m 3f (4) gs in Dec.
