mid-division, headway 7f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, no impression
in touch, effort over 4f out, soon ridden, weakened over 2f out, tailed off
keen early, in touch, lost place over 6f out, soon behind, tailed off
in touch, ridden and outpaced 5f out, kept on under pressure final 2f, never troubled leaders
held up in touch, headway 6f out every chance 4f out to over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
held up mid-division, headway 5f out, ridden to chase winner over 2f out, kept on same pace, no impression final furlong
tracked leader, led halfway, made rest, ridden clear when edged right entering final furlong, stayed on
led, headed halfway, chased leaders until weakened 3f out
close up on outside, lost place when stumbled after 7f, soon lost touch, tailed off
TRIGGERMAN is our idea of the most likely winner with Sir Tantallus Hawk and Rushwee offered as the alternatives. Lenny Lungo's gelding was a little keen on his racecourse introduction at Carlisle but he beat a number of more exposed types on the day. With that run behind him, it would be no surprise to see plenty of improvement in evidence. Sir Tantallus Hawk was sent off at odds-on on debut and did not disappoint the backers. Course form at Sedgefield is always a positive. Rushwee was the most expensive purchase in the field. As ever, the market is watched though it would be no surprise to see him needing this first outing in public. Le Platino's form has obtained on fast ground so any bets need to factor this. Flat bred, Rosko was slung out at the sales for just 13000gns whilst Triton, who has had three starts in this grade, makes a degree of appeal for each-way backers if the newcomers are not up to much. The dam of Ginger's Lad won over 2m4f over hurdles so he should not be ignored if the market speaks positively. Triggerman gets the vote.
Le Platino (GER) 15-2 (10-11) Tracked leaders, led 3f out, stayed on well from over 1f out, won at Catterick 2m nhf (5) gf in Dec beating Lady Rapido (10-4) by 6l, 15 ran.
Sir Tantallus Hawk 5-6fav (11-0) In touch, led on bit over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 5th of 16, 2l behind Lady Bluesky (10-4) at Wetherby 2m nhf (6) gs in Apr.
Also Jo 50-1 (10-13) Held up towards rear, effort over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 10th of 12, 30l behind Killyglen (11-2) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) sft.
Ginger's Lad Elmaamul gelding out of Chadwick's Ginger.
Holmesies J B Quick gelding out of Bella Brio.
Nick The Dreamer Beat All gelding out of Autumn Leaf.
Rosko Selkirk gelding out of Desert Alchemy.
Rushwee (IRE) Oscar gelding, half-brother to useful bumper/jumper Kahuna and Irish hurdle winner up to 2m2f Mr Muffin Man.
Triggerman 10-1 (11-0) In touch, tracked winner 6f out, ridden and effort over 2f out, one pace final furlong, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 12, 3l behind Knockavilla (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 1f nhf (6) gd in Oct '07.
Triton 5-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, ridden over 4f out, soon one pace, 5th of 18, 14l behind Present Gesture (10-9) at Perth 2m nhf (5) gd in Jun.
Seattle Susie 40-1 (10-9) Behind, tailed off halfway and pulled up in race won by Lie Forrit (11-2) at Hexham 2m nhf (6) hvy, 12 ran.
