held up in touch, lost place 10f out, headway over 5f out, weakened under pressure over 1f out
took keen hold, soon prominent, led 10f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace
held up, headway over 6f out, challenged over 3f out, no extra final furlong
prominent, lost place halfway, weakened 5f out, hung left 4f out
raced keenly, prominent, weakened over 2f out
held up, headway on outside over 4f out, challenged going well 2f out, edged right and led over 1f out, shaken up and stayed on well inside final furlong
mid-division, headway 6f out, weakened over 3f out
ran in snatches, hung left from 4f out, well there over 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
in touch, hampered 3f out, not troubled leaders after, hung right over 1f out
mid-division, headway 9f out, weakened over 3f out, tailed off
led, raced keenly, headed 10f out, ridden halfway, weakened 7f out, tailed off
held up, pulled hard, progress to press leader 10f out, edged right 3f out, weakened 2f out
Nulato is probably worth taking on under his double penalty and we'll take a chance with Classic Chic. Alan King's runner showed a professional attitude to win in heavy ground over course and distance last time but he has his work cut out to concede weight all round. The selection shaped with some promise on his debut at Carlisle recently and should come on for the experience; Jason Maguire takes over from a conditional and Classic Chic should be involved. Helpston also shaped with promise at Uttoxeter in what appeared to be a decent race. That form gives him leading claims in this company. Of the newcomers, Ayemdee and Native Bob are two that immediately take the eye as they represent leading yards and look the part on paper. The market should guide as to expectations for their chances and those of the other newcomers. Classic Chic is the tentative suggestion.
Nulato (IRE) 11-4 (11-11) In touch after 2f, took narrow lead over 2f out, headed over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, regained lead towards finish, won at Towcester 2m nhf (5) hvy in Jan beating The Hollinwell (11-4) by a nk, 15 ran.
Astrop Road 66-1 (10-13) Held up in rear, headway halfway, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 10, 10l behind Blistering (11-9) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (5) gd.
Ayemdee (IRE) Flemensfirth gelding, half-brother to winning jumpers Native Coral and Lady Kate Ellen.
Billy Smith 80-1 (10-11) Took keen hold mid-division, headway after 7f, weakened 4f out, 7th of 15, well behind Nulato (11-11) at Towcester 2m nhf (5) hvy in Jan.
Classic Chic 16-1 (10-11) Held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 5th of 19, 15l behind Kaskader (10-10) at Carlisle 2m 1f nhf (6) sft.
Dont Be Cross (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) Held up, struggling halfway, tailed off final 7f, 12th of 13, well behind Jokers Legacy (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gs in Feb.
Dont Tell The Wife (IRE) Anshan gelding out of Dark Gale.
Let Em Come (IRE) Rock Hopper horse out of Pollys Leader.
Racing With Angels Alflora gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Sun God Kayf Tara horse, half-brother to winning sprinter Heavens Walk.
The Stroker 20-1 (11-2) Always behind, 8th of 10, well behind Blistering (11-9) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (5) gd.
Dawn Street 28-1 (10-2) Always behind, 8th of 12, well behind Eight Palms (10-8) at Stratford 2m nhf (6) gd.
Helpston 16-1 (10-7) Held up in touch, lost place 7f out, stayed on again inside final 2f, 3rd of 13, 5l behind Jokers Legacy (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gs in Feb.
Ti Amore (IRE) Taipan mare, half-sister to winning bumper Calaficial.
Bitesize 100-1 (9-12) Raced wide, led, headed 6f out, soon weakened, last of 21, 32l behind Sunsetten (10-12) at Doncaster 1m 5f 4yo nhf (5) gd in Jan.
Native Bob (IRE) Bob Back gelding out of winning hurdler Beaver Run.
