tracked leader, challenged 2 out, led before last, ridden out flat
led, joined 2 out, ridden and headed before last, weakened flat
held up, headway 2 out, effort last, ridden and kept on to chase winner flat, no impression
not fluent, chased leaders, outpaced 2 out, soon weakened, tailed off
Nonrunner
Battle Stations can land the finale at the expense of Chernik and Prince Car. The selection sets a good standard on his form to date. With only three runs to his name he looks an improver. Having finished second on his hurdles debut at Sedgefield, he then ran well over two miles here last time out. He steps up in trip to the three miles today but on the evidence of his races to date stamina will not be an issue. In such a poor race he looks difficult to oppose. Chernik has been running well in defeat and was not that far behind Manadam when third of twelve last time out at Weatherby. He looks consistent and can once again run well. As can Prince Car who showed form in Irish bumpers before joining Howard Johnson. His hurdle form to date though has been a little indifferent but coming from a big yard he warrants respect. But for the winner we return to Battle Stations.
Chernik (IRE) 13-2 (10-13) Held up, ridden after 4 out, kept on from 2 out, 3rd of 12, 14l behind Manadam (10-10) at Wetherby 2m 3f nov hdl gd in Apr.
Prince Car (FR) 6-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, went 2nd after 5th, ridden 7th, lost pace next, 8th of 10, well behind Pop (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Almond Court (IRE) 125-1 (10-6) Behind, headway approaching 6th, weakened approaching 3 out, 5th of 12, 28l behind Manadam (10-10) at Wetherby 2m 3f nov hdl gd in Apr.
Double Runner 100-1 (10-1) Held up, effort after 5th, weakening when blundered 4 out, tailed off, 6th of 9, well behind Supreme Builder (11-1) at Kelso 2m 6f nov hdl (4) hvy in Apr.
Battle Stations 11-4 (11-1) Always prominent, every chance 2 out, one pace last, 3rd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Blackpool Billy (11-7) at Hexham 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Minster Lake 200-1 (10-6) Mid-division, weakened 3 out, tailed off from next, 5th of 14, well behind Mirage Dore (11-3) at Sedgefield 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gs in Apr.
Wee George 28-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, weakened approaching 4 out, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Smart John (10-9) at Wetherby 2m 7f mdn hdl gd in Apr, 13 ran.
Henbeck Lady (IRE) 80-1 (10-0) Always behind, pulled up 2 out pulled up 3 out in race won by Don't Be Bleu (10-10) at Huntingdon 3m 2f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf, 15 ran.
