Premier Dane chased leaders, effort and went second before 4 out, ridden next, led run-in, stayed on
Ellerslie Tom took keen hold, led 2nd, ridden 2 out, headed run-in, kept on same pace
Ballyholland towards rear, outpaced halfway, plugged on from 2 out, not reach first two
Paradise Bay jumped left, led to 2nd, mistake next, chased leader to before 4 out, soon beaten
Safari Run not fluent in rear, pushed along 7th, never on terms
Earl Sigurd towards rear, struggling 8th, soon weakened
Sandy Bay soon well behind, no chance when pulled up before 7th
Analyis of the race
A decent novice chase for the time of year, and it was run at a sound gallop. PREMIER DANE has a mark of 139 over hurdles, but hadn't run to that over fences so far. However, conditions here suited, for he had a strong gallop, and fast ground, he raced in touch and ran on after the last to gain his first chase success. Although he may well find further opportunities, he hasn't the best of win records and still has a fair way to go if he's going to be as good over fences as hurdles.
Runner-up Ellerslie Tom is a decent hurdler, who was third off 135 in the Swinton on his previous outing, but he didn't run to that sort of mark on his two previous runs over fences. He was a touch keen here, but set a good gallop and was headed only after the last.He'll win a race, though the form is slightly devalued by the fact that Ballyholland, who has a mark of just 92, finished third, beaten less than 12 lengths. He may have run above himself, with the drop in trip perhaps suiting him, but he doesn't make the form anything special.
Tote
Tote Win: 0
Tote place (1): 1.5
Tote place (2): 1.4
Exacta: 6.8
CSF: 5.5
Total SP: 107
Further Information
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