made most to 6f out, chased winner to over 2f out, soon no chance with front pair
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
held up in mid-division, smooth headway to track leaders 5f out, chased leader over 2f out, shaken up final furlong, led near finish
chased leaders, travelling well 3f out, weakened over 2f out, tailed off
always struggling in rear, tailed off
always rear division, tailed off
prominent, lost place halfway, soon struggling in rear, tailed off
chased leaders, led 6f out, ridden final furlong, headed near finish
soon ridden along, always struggling in rear, tailed off
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
behind, headway from halfway, soon chasing leaders, ridden and weakened over 3f out, lost action, finished lame
in touch, pushed along halfway, soon lost place, tailed off
The Red Laird, Gratification and City Theatre are all worth a look here but it is to ALEXANDER BEETLE we turn for this bumper. The selection won his debut race last time out coming away from his rivals without really having to hit top gear. The four-year-old comes from a stable have a decent record in bumpers and it will be interesting to see if Henrietta Knight's gelding can follow up on his recent success. The Red Laird is another who won last time out. He is the son of the classy Flat stayer Kayf Tara and his inherited stamina should prove the crucial factor. Gelding Gratification was just beaten last time out, performing well after being well beaten at Chepstow on his debut back in November. The six-year-old may need the run here but looks capable. Jonjo O'Neill's City Theatre will make his career debut here today. The gelding is the mount of Tony McCoy and may be worth taking a chance on. However, in what should be a close encounter, we side with Alexander Beetle.
The Red Laird 25-1 (10-11) Disputed lead, definite advantage over 3f out, hard driven and stayed on final furlong, held on near finish, won at Plumpton 2m 2f mdn nhf (6) hvy in Feb beating Fabulous Fred (11-4) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Adamo (GER) Kornado gelding out of Ad Augusta.
City Theatre (IRE) Oscar gelding out of O Mio My.
Gratification 5-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway 5f out, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed over 1f out, one pace, 2nd of 15, 8l behind Swansbrook (11-0) at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Dec.
Niceboy (IRE) 15-2 (11-4) In touch, pushed along 7f out, behind over 4f out, tailed off, 9th of 12, well behind The Red Laird (10-11) at Plumpton 2m 2f mdn nhf (6) hvy in Feb.
Lady Zaha Zaha mare out of Storming Lady.
Lillinga (IRE) 14-1 (11-6) Mid-division best, weakened 5f out, tailed off, 16th of 17, well behind Uimhiraceathair (11-11) at Navan 2m nhf hvy.
Saltara Kayf Tara filly out of winning bumper Star Diva.
Legal Bid UNKNOWN SIRE.
My Only Boy 25-1 (10-3) Always in rear, tailed off, 11th of 12, well behind The Red Laird (10-11) at Plumpton 2m 2f mdn nhf (6) hvy in Feb.
Capital City (IRE) 50-1 (9-11) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 13, 19l behind General Miller (10-7) at Kempton 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Forest Griffin Karinga Bay filly out of Waltz On Air.
So Regal (IRE) 100-1 (9-10) Chased leaders, weakened 4f out, tailed off, 8th of 12, 44l behind The Red Laird (10-11) at Plumpton 2m 2f mdn nhf (6) hvy in Feb.
Alexander Beetle 3-1fav (10-7) Held up, headway on inside 4f out, led over 1f out, driven and ran green, won at Ludlow 2m nhf (5) sft in Jan beating Gibraltar Star (11-4) by 7l, 12 ran.
Presenting Diva (IRE) 20-1 (10-3) Prominent, went 2nd 8f out, until weakened over 3f out, 6th of 7, 21l behind Aimigayle (10-0) at Plumpton 2m 2f mdn nhf (6) gd in Mar '07.
