chased leaders, went 2nd after 2 out, driven, kept on under pressure flat, not reach winner
chased winner, driven, no impression approaching 2 out, soon lost 2nd, weakened
raced on inside, chased leaders, weakened under pressure 3 out, well behind when pulled up before next
in rear, driven, struggling after 4 out, well behind when mistake next, pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders until weakened after 3 out
made all, in command 2 out, pushed along, kept on well flat
Najca De Thaix can round off the meeting on a high note for supporters of Tony McCoy. Wotchalike, Tavalu and Spider Boy can provide stern challenges along the way. McCoy's mount seems to handle Plumpton well and reverts to hurdles after a couple of sound efforts over fences. Admittedly he has a bit to prove off a 6lb higher mark than for his last success in this sphere. However, his confidence is on a high and the booking of the champion jockey can prove to be the deciding factor in making this a refreshing visit to the well. Spider Boy has gone up 5lb for last month's success at Fontwell and has a bit more on his plate this time around, while Tavalu is another with claims on the best of his efforts and, as he is equally as effective over timber as he is over fences, he has to be a threat. Wotchalike will be suited by the test and, as he is great heart, he also deserves his place on the short list. However, all the stops have been pulled out to get another win out of Najca De Thaix and this looks a fair opening for him to strike.
In Media Res (FR) 28-1 (11-2) Prominent, led 7th, headed approaching 3 out and pulled up 2 out in race won by Swampy Blue (9-13) at Ludlow 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd, 12 ran.
Najca De Thaix (FR) 7-4fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, weakened and lost place 7th, tailed off when jumped very slow 3 out, 4th of 5, 41l behind Carly Bay (10-9) at Plumpton 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Mar.
Wotchalike (IRE) 11-4fav (11-3) Held up, headway 3 out, chased winner 2 out, kept on, 2nd of 17, 1 1/2l behind Kerriemuir Lass (11-4) at Towcester 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs.
My Monna 4-1 (10-0) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, weakening when mistake last, 3rd of 7, 20l behind Qulinton (10-2) at Plumpton 2m mdn hdl (5) hvy in Mar.
Pearly Star 16-1 (10-4) Mid-division, ridden and headway after 6th, one pace next, 5th of 14, 18l behind Lordsbridge (10-5) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Mar.
Spider Boy 14-1 (9-7) Led after 1st, made rest, kept on gamely flat, won at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Mar beating First Feerie (11-10) by 2l, 8 ran.
Tavalu (USA) 11-2 (11-7) Held up, ridden and weakened 4 out, 5th of 9, 20l behind Busy Isit (11-6) at Kempton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Mar.
