prominent, effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong
broke well but soon outpaced and towards rear, eased over 1f out
keen in mid-division, under pressure over 3f out, stayed on approaching final furlong, never a threat
led until over 1f out, kept on under pressure
chased leaders, every chance from well over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
chased leaders, driven to challenge on inside 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on well
slowly into stride, held up, switched left and headway over 2f out, never on terms
held up in rear, headway over 1f out, chased leaders inside final furlong, never nearer
The highly-promising Sean Davis has struck up an excellent rapport with VENTURA GOLD, who's shown a fine attitude to prevail in close finishes on both starts this season. A rise of 7lb for those successes seems acceptable and the Fahey gelding can complete the three-timer in the belief he'll appreciate the step up in trip and this stiff finish. Breathable looks dangerous off the bottom rung but the market could well inform as to his readiness on a first start for over 230 days. He has a course and distance win to his name, however, and looks nicely treated. Where's Jeff completes the short-list after a pleasing reappearance while Dr Richard Kimble didn't really taken to hurdling and may do better returned to the Flat.
Alfa McGuire (IRE) 8-1 (9-4) Tracked leader 2f, in touch, driven over 2f out, ridden and no impression with front pair over 1f out, lost 3rd inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 5 1/4l behind Harbour Breeze (9-1) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp (4) pol in Apr.
Dr Richard Kimble (IRE) 14-1 (8-13) Led 1f, tracked leader until 9f out, handy 3rd until pushed along over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 8, 12 1/4l behind Crystal King (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp (3) pol in Apr.
Kharbetation (IRE) 5-1 (9-6) Held up towards rear, under pressure over 3f out, never on terms, 5th of 7, 10 1/4l behind Juanito Chico (9-1) at Nottingham 1m hcp (4) gf in Apr.
Sands Chorus 7-1 (9-6) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 1 3/4l behind Lord Of The Rock (9-9) at Haydock 1m 2f hcp (4) sft in Apr.
Ventura Gold (IRE) 4-1 (8-11) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, led again inside final furlong, held on gamely, won at Musselburgh 1m 1f hcp (4) gd in Apr beating Mont Kinabalu (8-12) by hd, 6 ran.
Where's Jeff 6-1 (9-7) In touch, pushed along over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, headway under pressure entering final furlong, kept on, 4th of 9, 1 1/2l behind Saisons D'Or (9-2) at Nottingham 1m hcp (5) gf in Apr.
Low Profile 33-1 (9-8) Chased leader, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, 8th of 9, 14l behind Archive (9-6) at Pontefract 1m 4f hcp (5) gf in Apr.
Breathable 9-1 (8-9) Raced wide towards rear, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 8, 9 1/2l behind Mearing (8-6) at Chester 1m 2f hcp (4) sft in Sep.
