tracked leaders, went 2nd 3 out, mistake and led last, headed flat, held close home
led until before 2nd where hampered by leader and stumbled, led 3rd, soon headed, pecked 5th, outpaced after 3 out, rallied from 2 out, led and rider dropped whip flat, stayed on well
held up in 4th, pushed along after 3 out, no impression 2 out, jumped left last
held up, weakened 3 out, mistake and unseated rider last
took keen hold, led before 2nd where went left and jumped slowly, headed next, soon led again, jumped slowly 4th, mistake 3 out, headed when not fluent last, no extra towards finish
held up in rear, took keen hold, hampered 1st, headway 3 out, soon close up, jumped left and not fluent last, unable to quicken until stayed on towards finish
not fluent, jumped right 1st, always in rear, tailed off
Bucephalus and Rubipresent have to be of interest but ANDHAAR might be able to make the most of the weight he receives. Steve Gollings has a reasonable record here at Market Rasen and the return to a conventional track should suit his horse, who achieved a reasonable standard of performance on the flat. Second on his jumping debut, he showed enough to merit consideration in a relatively weak contest although he'll need to jump better. Perhaps this flat track will allow him to do so and he's just given the vote ahead of Rubipresent. Malcolm Jefferson's charge won over course and distance last time despite having plenty to do on turning in. This son of Presenting should continue to improve but he shapes already as though in need of a longer trip and unless ground softens appreciably he's opposable here. Similarly, last time winner Bucephalus looks opposable under his penalty for different reasons. There's no denying he was impressive last time but that was a big step up on previous efforts and it seemed to come for racing around that undulating track, so there have to be concerns surrounding his ability to perform at Market Rasen. Indeed, at the prices Sadler's Star is arguably of greater interest as he won't be inconvenienced by any softening of the ground and ran reasonably in a better race at Cartmel last time. Royal Entourage won over both seven furlongs and two miles on the flat in Ireland so should have the blend of speed and stamina required for this; he needs a market check on his hurdling bow after 244 days off the track, whilst Hypnotic Gaze will need to leave his debut fourth behind to trouble the principles, the pick of which might be Andhaar.
Bucephalus (IRE) 9-1 (10-9) Held up in touch, chased leader halfway, led soon after 3rd last, 10 lengths clear after next, eased flat, easily, won at Sedgefield 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gf in May beating Pyracantha (11-5) by 16l, 8 ran.
Rubipresent (IRE) 3-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, ridden and outpaced after 3 out, rallied from 2 out, strong run on outside after last, led final 150 yards, won going away, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gd in May beating Favours Brave (10-10) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Sadler's Star (GER) 7-1 (11-5) Held up, headway approaching last, ridden and kept on same pace, 4th of 11, 8l behind Twentynineblack (11-5) at Cartmel 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Royal Entourage 20-1 (10-0) Slowly away, pushed along and soon in touch, ridden 4f out, weakened 3f out, last of 12, well behind Theola (8-8) at York 2m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Oct (flat).
Andhaar 10-1 (10-12) Mistakes, in touch, outpaced when blundered 3 out, 5th last, soon ridden, stayed on under pressure to go 2nd inside final furlong, always held, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Beidh Tine Anseo (10-9) at Cartmel 2m 1f 4yo nov hdl (4) gd in May.
Hypnotic Gaze (IRE) 40-1 (10-10) Held up in rear, headway to chase leaders approaching 3 out, no impression from 2 out, 4th of 11, 8l behind Lion On The Prowl (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn hdl (5) gs in May.
Tears From Heaven (USA) 9-2 (10-12) With leader, every chance 3f out, soon ridden, not clear run over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 12, 11l behind Ben Cee Pee M (11-2) at Towcester 2m mdn NH flat (5) gf in May.
