mid-division, lost place halfway, behind when pulled up before 9th
mistake and unseated rider 1st
tracked leaders, headway 4 out, led 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on well flat
always behind
soon behind, pulled up before 7th
tracked leader 4th, led 7th, jumped right 4 out, mistake next, headed 2 out, soon weakened
with leader, led 4th to 7th, lost place 4 out, soon beaten
mid-division, headway 4 out, challenged next, every chance when pecked 2 out, soon ridden, one pace approaching last
behind, hit 3rd, headway 9th, effort 3 out, ridden and kept on to go 2nd towards finish, no impression
mid-division, struggling 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
behind, ridden 4 out, never dangerous
led to 4th, chased leaders, hit 8th, weakened 4 out
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Apadi can gain his revenge on Magic Box, while Chevalier Bayard and Bob's Buster are others that can play a strong hand if they are on song. Bob's Buster, like many of these, is no spring chicken but has been around long enough to know how to exploit any weaknesses in the rest. He is mainly consistent and will be staying on when others have had enough. Chevalier Bayard is back with James Adam after a long absence from the track. He did win for Brendan Powell when he was last seen in action and has claims if he still retains ability. Watch the market carefully where he is concerned. Magic Box was in front of the selection when they met at Hexham at the start of last month. However, he was held off a 4lb lower mark in his subsequent outing and now has more to do. Therefore, we are prepared to take a chance with Apadi, whose willing attitude may be enough to see him through on this occasion. The ground has also turned in his favour and we anticipate another honest effort from this game old boy.
Munadil 16-1 (11-1) Held up mid-division, headway 6th, ridden to lead 3 out, ridden out, won at Worcester 2m chs 0-90 (5) gf in May beating Ishka Baha (10-12) by 3l, 9 ran.
Double Blade 14-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway halfway, outpaced after 3 out, brief effort between last 2, soon no extra, 6th of 10, 38l behind Prince Among Men (11-0) at Hexham 2m sll hdl (5) gf in May.
Chevalier Bayard (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) In touch, headway 5th, led 3 out, all out, won at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Jul '04 beating Another Joker (11-12) by a nk, 11 ran.
Magic Box 7-4fav (10-12) Tracked leader, led 4 out, headed last, one pace under pressure, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Upswing (11-1) at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) gf in May.
Il Penseroso (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Raced keenly, ridden and headed well before 2 out, soon beaten, 2nd of 6, 18l behind Hot Plunge (11-12) at Folkestone 2m hts chs (6) gd in May.
Gipsy Cricketer 33-1 (10-8) Mid-division, jumped right 4th, ridden and headway 6th, weakened 3 out, 5th of 9, 23l behind Munadil (11-1) at Worcester 2m chs 0-90 (5) gf in May.
Percipient 11-2 (10-2) Chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, weakened 2 out, 7th of 14, 19l behind Master Papa (11-6) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in May.
Apadi (USA) 16-1 (10-13) Tracked leader, led 3rd to 7th, remained close up until one pace from 2 out, 4th of 10, 9l behind Magic Box (9-9) at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in May.
