mid-division, headway 7f out, went 2nd 4f out, ridden 2f out, stayed on well, not pace of winner
made all, ridden over 2f out, drifted right final furlong, kept on well close home
headway 4f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
prominent, ridden 1 mile out, kept on one pace
in touch, ridden halfway, weakened 5f out
held up, ridden 5f out, stayed on one pace final 2f
mid-division, ridden and effort 4f out, weakened 3f out
mid-division, ridden and outpaced 4f out, stayed on well from 2f out
chased leader, ridden 7f out, weakened 4f out
towards rear, ridden 6f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden halfway, never on terms
The usual tricky to call bumper wraps things up but HIGH GALES has looked like and improving sort in two starts and has the verdict marginally ahead of Lemonade Jack and Benarti. A market check is advised though. The pick, who will be partnered by Robert Thornton, only found Latin America, who finished in midfield in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival, too good last time. We can rightly expect more again in what looks an easier assignment. Lemonade Jack put in a pleasing racecourse debut last time and only missed out by half a length. He worked himself nicely in contention but refused to go by the winner and the education should bring about more here. Benartic seems to be the best of the newcomers from a top yard. Related to winners in bumpers and over obstacles including smart hurdler Grabel and any market support would rate as interesting. If you dig deep enough place claims can be made for several of the others but nothing jumps off the page so we give High Gales the selection.
Benartic (IRE) Beneficial gelding out of Glacial Queen.
High Gales (IRE) 11-2 (11-3) Prominent, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 12, 1 3/4l behind Latin America (10-7) at Fontwell 2m 2f NH flat (6) gd in Feb.
Lemonade Jack (IRE) 5-2 (11-3) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind Elsafeer (10-8) at Market Rasen 2m 1f NH flat (6) sft in Feb.
Mauricetheathlete (IRE) 20-1 (12-0) To 9; pu 2 out, in a race won by Pimbury (12-0) at Barbury Racecourse 2m 4f ptp in Jan, 13 ran.
Norwest (IRE) 100-1 (11-3) Tracked leader, ridden over 6f out, one pace final 2f, 6th of 14, 19l behind Giordano Bruno (11-5) at Taunton 2m 1f NH flat (6) gs.
Presenting Jet (IRE) Presenting gelding out of Thresa-anita.
Vivarini 9-2 (11-2) Held up and raced wide, weakened 4f out, 14th of 15, well behind Lightening Rod (10-0) at Doncaster 2m NH flat (5) gs in Feb.
Little Fee Emperor Fountain filly out of Passing Fair.
Magusta (GER) 100-1 (10-13) Held up towards rear, raced keenly, headway 7f out, weakened 4f out, 11th of 16, well behind Quideo De Touzaine (11-4) at Stratford 2m mdn NH flat (5) gs.
