prominent until hampered and fell 7th
held up in touch on inside, took closer order after 8th, went 2nd 16th, led and left clear 4 out, well in command after
mid-division, on outside, struggling from 13th, tailed off when pulled up before last
mid-division, hit 6th, behind from 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
took keen hold, held up in touch, hampered 7th, ridden from 10th, 6th when blundered and unseated rider 12th
held up towards rear, well behind 9th, stayed on from 3 out, went 2nd and stumbled badly last, no chance with winner
held up, stumbled slightly 8th, headway next, weakened 14th, mistake 15th, tailing off when pulled up before 16th
always behind, tailed off from 10th, pulled up before 12th
chased leader, jumped slowly 7th, lost 2nd 16th, left chasing winner 4 out but not on terms, weakened last
held up, headway 10th, mistake 13th (water), soon struggling, tailed off
chased leaders, hit 6th, hampered 7th, blundered badly 8th, weakened 14th, tailed off
always behind, tailed off from 10th, pulled up after 11th
chased leaders, outpaced from 5 out, stayed on from 2 out to dispute 2nd from last, one pace
led, just headed when fell 4 out
Brer Bear, Beauchamp Oracle, Alheri and Rhythm King are a handful against the field in another wide open affair and the tentative vote is given to Rhythm King. The selection unshipped his rider last time out but generally he is a good jumper and under conditions that suit he looks the value bet in an open affair. Brer Bear rates the main danger on his latest third behind Denvale he will appreciate this tougher track and will not be far away. Beauchamp Oracle won well last time out when beating Bill Haze. However this looks more competitive and as the runner up broke down last time he may have been a lucky winner and with this in mind he looks worth taking on. Alheri won a point in good style last time out but that was on slightly easier ground. This is a trappy affair and the market will be very informative but for the winner we are happy to return to Rhythm King who looks a value bet.
Alheri 7-2 (12-0) Led to 9; led 3 out; stayed on u.p flat, won at Lockinge 3m ptp gd in Apr beating Rommel (12-0) by 2l, 6 ran.
Beauchamp Oracle 4-1 (11-8) Led to 11th, stayed prominent, hit 2 out, led last, stayed on well, won at Exeter 2m 7f nov hts chs (5) frm in Apr beating Bill Haze (11-10) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Black Optimist (IRE) 6-1 (12-0) 8th of 11, well behind Home By Midnight (11-7) at Maisemore Park 3m ptp gd in Apr.
Brer Bear 11-8fav (12-6) Chased leaders, driven along after 4 out, ridden and stayed on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 8, 8l behind Denvale (12-3) at Towcester 3m hts chs (5) gs in Apr.
Churchill Flyer 12-1 (12-0) won at Mollington 3m ptp gd in Mar beating Two A Penny (11-7) by 11l, 14 ran.
Fox John 7-2 (12-0) won at Andoversford 3m ptp gd in Apr beating Alfie Valentine (12-0) by 7l, 14 ran.
Palmers Peak (IRE) 2-1fav (12-0) 2nd of 9, 8l behind Cosmic Sky (12-0) at Horseheath 3m ptp gd in Apr.
Rhythm King 5-2fav (12-1) Hampered and unseated rider in race won by Spring Margot (12-4) at Stratford 2m 7f hts chs (5) gd in Apr, 14 ran.
