led and jumped well, headed 2 out, soon ridden, weakened flat
held up, took closer order 5th, went 2nd approaching 3 out, led next, ridden and stayed on well flat
tracked leader, lost pace approaching 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, lost place after 5th, behind when fell 7th
held up, always behind
held up, never dangerous
mid-division, outpaced 3 out, never on terms
Nonrunner
Irish Wolf is selected in preference to Almnadia and Candarli, while Kid 'Z' Play can never be ruled out at this level and is expected to make a bold bid to defy top weight in this company. The ten-year-old is a straightforward ride for an inexperienced jockey and it will come as no surprise to see him bowl along and set his own tempo. Candarli will be suited by a strong pace and has a consistent record over hurdles. The market will give us a good gauge towards his readiness for his return from a 159-day absence. Almnadia likes this course and, having dropped to an attractive mark, he should not be underestimated at this level. Steve Gollings has always held him in high regard and, again, a market move will be noteworthy. However, Irish Wolf reverts to timber at a very modest level and, as he still has scope to improve, he gets a confident vote to take this test in his stride.
Candarli (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Led, soon clear, ridden after 2 out, ran on, won at Huntingdon 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Feb beating Arry Dash (11-7) by 3l, 10 ran.
Irish Wolf (FR) 5-4fav (11-1) Chased leaders, led after 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 12, 5l behind Rare Coincidence (11-6) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Goss 20-1 (10-0) Took keen hold, prominent, led approaching 5th, stumbled and headed 6th, weakened after 7th, 5th of 8, 27l behind The Names Bond (10-3) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gf in Jul.
Snob Wells (IRE) 20-1 (9-10) Always towards rear, ridden after 6 out, soon no danger, 9th of 12, 44l behind Whatareyouhaving (10-9) at Cork 2m 4f lst hcp hdl hvy in Nov.
Wild Chimes (IRE) 8-1 (11-6) Prominent, driven along 9th, weakened after 3 out, 6th of 7, 21l behind Megaton (11-12) at Stratford 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Jul.
Talarive (USA) 20-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, led after 3 out, clear next, ridden out, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd in Apr beating Gaelic Roulette (11-4) by 2l, 13 ran.
Wise Tale 18-1 (10-7) Led to 7th, prominent until weakened 4 out, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Burren Moonshine (10-8) at Stratford 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Jun, 14 ran.
Kid'z'play (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Led headed approaching 10th, soon weakend and pulled up 3 out in race won by Ball O Malt (10-11) at Perth 2m 4f hcp chs 0-140 (2) gf in Jul, 10 ran.
