made all, hard pressed from over 2f out, held on gamely
chased leaders until 7f out, soon tailed off, virtually pulled up final 4f
mid-division, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 2f out,
mid-division until 7f out, tailed off and virtually pulled up final 3f
mid-division, headway 7f out, weakened over 3f out
with leader, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 3f out
keen in touch, effort over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
mid-division, headway 4f out, soon ridden, went 3rd 3f out, kept on same pace
mid-division, headway 7f out, challenged over 2f out and hung left, every chance inside final furlong, kept on
held up towards rear, some progress 3f out, weakened 2f out
chased leaders, went 2nd 5f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
As ever, there are some interesting newcomers but they'll need to be well above average to win with those to have raced setting a high standard. Riverside Theatre gets our vote with Diamond Harry and Shalone respected. The selection was a warm order for his debut and duly lived up to expectations with an impressive display at Kempton. He picked up in the style of a good horse to beat some well regarded types and looks an exciting prospect. Diamond Harry beat the well regarded Procas De Thaix over course and distance over a year ago. He's obviously had his problems since then and it will be interesting to see how he fares in the market. Shalone was the stable's second string at Wincanton but battled on well to win, what appeared to be, a decent race on paper. There isn't a great deal to choose between her and stablemate Charmaine Wood on the book. The market should prove as informative as ever but Riverside Theatre looks poised to take centre stage.
Diamond Harry 33-1 (10-9) Took keen hold, held up, headway on inside over 3f out, led 1f out, hard driven final furlong, held on, won at Newbury 2m nhf (2) sft in Mar '07 beating Procas de Thaix (10-13) by 1/2l, 21 ran.
Aussie Bay (IRE) Clerkenwell gelding out of 1m2f winner Bondi Bay.
Avec Moi Ce Soir (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) Mid-division, in touch over 5f out, ridden 4f out, beaten over 1f out, 5th of 11, 8l behind Strategic Approach (11-3) at Newbury 2m nhf (5) gs.
Edgebury 5-1 (11-2) Disputed lead for 2f, tracked leader, effort over 3f out, not pace to challenge, 5th of 10, 8l behind Blistering (11-9) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (5) gd.
Fruity O'Rooney 28-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, good headway to lead over 6f out, pushed along over 3f out, headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 6th of 10, 9l behind Blistering (11-9) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (5) gd.
Gershwinner (IRE) 22-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 3f out, 6th of 10, well behind Doeslessthanme (10-12) at Doncaster 2m nhf (5) gd.
Seraphim Knight (IRE) Blueprint gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Sergeant Harper (IRE) Insan gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Charmaine Wood 1-2fav (10-7) Held up and behind, headway over 6f out, pushed along from over 4f out, slightly hampered just over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong to lead close home, won at Huntingdon 2m mrs nhf (5) gs in Dec beating Ellerslie Ali (10-3).
Riverside Theatre 6-5fav (10-7) Mid-division, headway 4f out, led over 2f out, ran on well, won at Kempton 2m nhf (4) gd in Feb beating Murphy (11-2) by 2l, 15 ran.
Shalone 9-1 (10-4) Mid-division, headway 5f out, challenged 2f out, led entering final furlong, driven out, won at Wincanton 2m nhf (5) gs in Jan beating Alaska View (10-7) by 3/4l, 17 ran.
Bobby On The Beat (IRE) Bob Back gelding out of winning bumper Supreme Kellycarra.
Cold Harbour 28-1 (10-12) Towards rear, ridden 4f out, never a danger, 8th of 15, 11l behind Lord Generous (10-12) at Cheltenham 1m 4f nhf lst (1) gs in Jan.
Edgevine Grape Tree Road filly, half sister to winning jumper Dourakine and bumper/hurdles winner Sovietica.
Lady Samantha 8-1 (11-2) In touch, ridden and lost place 8f out, effort on inside over 3f out, one pace, 8th of 16, 13l behind Flowing On (10-13) at Ludlow 2m mrs nhf (5) gd in Feb.
