tracked leaders, slightly hampered 4th, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, left 2nd briefly after 2 out
in touch, tracked leader after 6th, led 3 out, in command when left well clear after 2 out, hit last
in touch, headway 7th, challenging when not much room and stumbled on bend approaching 2 out, hit next 2nd and held when lost action and pulled up before last
tracked leader until 5th, ridden after 7th, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out
held up, took closer order 5th, blundered 7th, effort next, soon one pace, went 2nd approaching last
led until 3 out, soon weakened
tracking leader when jinxed left, unseated ridder 4th
towards rear, driven along from 5th, gradually lost touch, tailed off and pulled up after 3 out
soon behind, tailed off and pulled up before 5th
Don And Gerry, Sonoma and Colorado Pear look the three to concentrate on in this competitive opener and the vote is given to Don And Gerry. The selection was a fair fourth behind Vaughn last time out, that form looks rock solid in the context of this race and with the booking of Tony McCoy catching the eye and under conditions that suit he looks the one to be on. Sonoma rates the main danger on his latest second behind Wee Dinns this longer trip should suit and he should be watched in the market. Colorado Pearl is another that could go well as he quickened up well when beating Annie Fleetwood last time out, he will find this harder under his penalty but is unexposed and could easily improve again. Of the remainder Barfleur is from a yard in form but his overall profile leaves him with a little to find while Gotta Get On may be seen to better effect over a longer trip and for the winner we return to Don And Gerry.
Barfleur (IRE) 15-2 (11-6) Held up, headway after 6th, ridden and every chance when pecked 2 out, one pace after, 4th of 10, 9l behind Zuleta (10-0) at N Abbot 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Jun.
Colorado Pearl (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway after 3 out, challenged 2 out, ridden to lead after 2 out, quickened clear flat, easily, won at Wincanton 2m 6f mrs nov hdl (4) gd in Apr beating Annie Fleetwood (11-0) by 8l, 17 ran.
Don And Gerry (IRE) 11-4 (11-0) In touch, ridden and every chance after 2 out, soon one pace, 4th of 12, 6l behind Vaughan (11-7) at Hereford 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gf in Jun.
Sonoma (IRE) 5-1 (10-11) Led to 1st, tracked leader, ridden to lead after 3 out, headed 2 out, held when mistake last, 2nd of 9, 6l behind Wee Dinns (12-0) at Stratford 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (4) gd.
Gotta Get On 7-1 (9-13) Held up in rear, headway 6th, chased leaders 3 out, outpaced from next, 6th of 12, 8l behind Miss Skippy (11-3) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf.
Mardereil (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Jumped right, pulled hard, in touch, lost place 4th, hit 6th, no danger after, 4th of 14, 21l behind Makeabreak (11-0) at Worcester 2m 4f mrs mdn hdl (4) gf in Jun.
Milanshan (IRE) 40-1 (11-2) In touch until weakened approaching 3 out, last of 14, well behind Zeloso (10-9) at Fontwell 2m 6f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf in Jun.
Soviet Spirit 100-1 (10-8) Mid-division, not fluent 1st and 2nd, behind from 5th, 13th of 14, well behind Recount (11-1) at N Abbot 2m 1f mdn hdl (5) gf in Jun.
