pulled hard, in touch, led after 5th, headed flat, stayed on
held up, headway 3 out, chased leaders next, stayed on flat
behind, pulled hard, ridden 5th, never on terms
in touch, chased leader 3 out, kept on same pace approaching last
led, headed 2nd, remained prominent, ridden to challenge 4th, weakened after 3 out
held up, headway approaching 3 out, led flat, soon hung left, ridden out
pulled hard, close up, joined leader 4th, weakened approaching 3 out
always behind
pulled hard, led 2nd, headed after 5th, weakened 3 out
always behind, tailed off from 4th
Course and distance winner Three Ships has to be respected but may struggle to give weight away to Resplendent Star, who gets the vote ahead of Buttress. The last mentioned has been highly tried since being put over hurdles and could be interesting dropped in class today, especially if the market speaks in his favour. Oliver Sherwood's Earl Of Spectrum has shown promise and is another to consider along with the ex-French Manolo, who may be better than he has shown so far. General Smith ran better at Worcester last time and has place claims but for the winner we return to Resplendent Star. Lucy Wadham's gelding is going the right way over hurdles judged by his latest fourth behind the useful Reveillez at Doncaster and a reproduction of that effort may suffice.
Three Ships 11-1 (10-7) In touch, headway after 3rd, led after 5th, ridden 2 out, all out, won at Huntingdon 2m amt nov hdl (E) gf beating Moldavia (10-7) by a nk, 14 ran.
Buttress 50-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, slightly hampered 2 out, weakened flat, 3rd of 8, 11l behind Itsmyboy (11-6) at Aintree 2m nov hdl (D) gd.
Manolo (FR) 25-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, pushed after 6th, soon lost action and soon eased, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Medison (11-8) at Ludlow 2m nov hdl (D) gd in Mar, 18 ran.
Prince Minata (IRE) 80-1 (10-11) Pulled hard, headway to lead 2nd, soon clear, ridden and headed after 5th, weakened quickly, 9th of 14, 24l behind Three Ships (10-7) at Huntingdon 2m amt nov hdl (E) gf.
Resplendent Star (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, no extra flat, 4th of 15, 12l behind Reveillez (11-12) at Doncaster 2m 3f nov hdl (E) gd in Jan.
Grey Prince 100-1 (10-1) In touch, jumped right and unseated rider at the 2nd in race won by Common Girl (10-12) at Fakenham 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gf, 9 ran.
