close up, led and pecked 6th, 2 lengths clear last, soon ridden, no extra when caught close home
held up, hit 5th, some progress 6th, ridden after 3 out, soon beaten
led until 6th, gradually faded, tailed off
held up, headway into 3rd 3 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, chased leader after 6th, ridden after next, stayed on run-in, led close home
in touch, ridden after 6th, outpaced next, stayed on approaching last
chased leader until after 5th, soon behind, tailed off
towards rear, not fluent 1st, mistake 2nd, lost action and pulled up after 5th
in touch, hit 3rd and 4th, ridden after 6th, one pace from next
Mendo won well last time and can follow up at the expense of Modicum and Globel Trucker, with Blue Teal worth a mention. Mendo was not winning out of turn when quickening away from his field at Market Rasen recently, given that he had taken on much, much better opposition earlier this season. Noel Chance is considering sending him to either Aintree or Punchestown next, and so defeat today would be a bitter pill to swallow. The penalised Modicum won well enough at Musselburgh last time, and his weight is offset by Rose Davison's claim, but his level of form does not match that of the selection. Irish raider Globel Trucker is still a maiden but it is interesting that Jessica Harrington sends him over. He was sent off as favourite when beaten at Naas in February and has obviously shown something at home. If handling the slightly faster ground than he is used to, he may emerge as a bit of a threat. Blue Teal lacks experience over hurdles so is best watched, although the winner of the last bumper he contested at Wincanton, Bertie May, has since scored over timber. Mendo has by far the best form on offer, and it will be a surprise if he gets turned over here.
Modicum (USA) 5-6fav (11-4) Tracked leaders, smooth headway to lead approaching 3 out, driven from next and ran on well, won at Musselburgh 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Feb beating Make A Mark (11-4) by 8l, 10 ran.
Blue Teal (IRE) 10-3 (11-4) Chased leader, led 3f out, ridden and headed 2f out, no extra final furlong, 4th of 17, 6l behind Bertie May (10-11) at Wincanton 2m nhf (6) gs in Feb.
Colliers Court 17-2 (10-12) Chased leader and raced keen, weakened at 7th, tailed off and pulled up 2 out in race won by Secret Pact (10-9) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gd in Nov, 10 ran.
Globel Trucker (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, 3rd under pressure before last, kept on same pace, 4th of 25, 6l behind Max Almighty (11-12) at Naas 2m mdn hdl sft in Feb.
Mendo 4-9fav (10-9) Held up, headway 3 out, led approaching last, quickened clear, won at Market Rasen 2m 3f cnd nov hdl (4) sft beating Brave Rebellion (10-9) by 9l, 10 ran.
So Wise So Young 9-1 (10-8) Held up in touch, ridden to go 3rd 3 out, one pace, 5th of 8, 12l behind Jericho III (10-7) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft.
Stop The Pigeon 100-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, ridden before 3 out, soon beaten, 4th of 10, well behind Ship's Hill (11-5) at Fakenham 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
West Ridge 3-1fav (11-11) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway 3f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 6th of 17, 9l behind Bertie May (10-11) at Wincanton 2m nhf (6) gs in Feb.
Chicago Alley 16-1 (10-6) Held up, mistake 2nd, progress 4th, weakened after 3 out, not fluent last, 5th of 15, 37l behind Ring Back (11-2) at Towcester 2m mrs mdn hdl (5) sft in Feb.
