tracked leader, led before 2 out, ridden and headed narrowly last, rallied run-in to regain lead, driven out
led, headed before 2 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders in 3rd, challenged 2 out, led narrowly last, headed run-in, kept on and held near finish
held up in rear, went poor 3rd before 2 out, one pace and no impression
always towards rear, weakened from 3 out
Stiff Upper Lip is well treated but it’s a long time since he showed any worthwhile form. Horace Hazel rather lost his way last summer and hasn’t raced since September while Shantou Tiger is still 10lb higher than for his last victory. Riddlestown has won over hurdles and fences recently and is a previous course winner but hasn’t won anywhere but Southwell in the last three years. KAYLA (NAP) will have needed her reappearance at Market Rasen and wasn’t given a hard time. She was in very good form around this time last year, winning here and at Uttoxeter, and can get back on track today.
Riddlestown (IRE) 6-1 (11-13) Chased leaders on outside, 2nd 7th, led 12th, headed 4 out, led next, stayed on gamely, won at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Apr beating Thoonavolla (11-10) by 2l, 10 ran.
Shantou Tiger (IRE) 9-2 (12-0) Led, headed 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 6, 31 1/2l behind Potters Approach (11-12) at Stratford 3m 2f hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Kayla 4-1 (11-8) Chased leaders, outpaced 4 out, soon no chance with clear trio, plugged on to dispute moderate 3rd flat, 4th of 6, 29 1/2l behind Saffron Wells (12-0) at Market Rasen 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Horace Hazel 4-1 (11-1) Raced wide in last pair, headway 8th, pushed along and weakened after 3 out, last of 6, 19 3/4l behind Young Dillon (11-12) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp (3) gd in Sep.
Stiff Upper Lip (IRE) 5-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, led 5th until mistake and 7th, chased winner until pushed along after 3 out, weakened soon after, 5th of 8, 22l behind Carnspindle (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp (4) gd in Mar.
