tracked leader, ridden to challenge after 3 out, lost place before next
chased leaders, slow 1st and 2nd, soon lost place, left in remote 4th at 8th, never dangerous
chasing leaders when fell 8th
held up in touch, slow 5th, driven to challenge after 3 out, went 2nd next, hard ridden last, kept on same pace
made all, hard driven 2 out, challenged last, kept on well under pressure
Brian Ellison will be hoping Volvalien can take home the lion’s share of the prize money from a race which carries his name. He won here in October before placed efforts at Sandown and Newcastle but APPLESANDPIERRES, twice a winner between the flags, should be suited by the switch to fences and also makes plenty of appeal. Prairie Town has won twice over hurdles but isn’t really bred for chasing and the once-useful Lyvius has become disappointing. Ash Park drops down a grade for this but probably needs some help from the handicapper.
Ash Park (IRE) 9-2 (10-8) Behind, unseated rider 5th, at Kelso 2m 6f hcp (2) hvy in Jan.
Lyvius 12-1 (11-5) Held up, not fluent 1st, hampered 11th, struggling 12th, 6th of 8, dist behind Hollywoodien (11-9) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Applesandpierres (IRE) 10-1 (11-1) Towards rear, headway after 3 out, ridden and one pace in 3rd before last, 3rd of 6, 9l behind One For Harry (11-11) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Jan.
Prairie Town (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, weakened approaching 2 out, blundered badly last, 7th of 9, 27l behind Maestro Royal (11-2) at Sandown 2m hcp (2) sft in Jan.
Volvalien (FR) 2-1fav (11-8) Led, ridden before 2 out, headed last, no extra, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Eastview Boy (11-4) at Newcastle 2m hcp (4) sft in Dec.
