BLACKTOFT is thought good enough to win this opener with both Amir Pasha and Sands of Barra worth noting. The selection has only shown a moderate amount of ability in his two hurdle runs to date but has been dropped into claiming company for the first time. This will be his easiest task to date and if he reproduces his best he is sure to be in the shake up come the business end of the race. Amir Pasha is still winless after fifteen attempts but he has shown enough ability in the past to warrant respect in a race of this nature. Sands of Barra caught the eye when finishing fourth of eleven at Market Rasen on his hurdles debut. He is sure to come on for the experience and will pose as the biggest danger to Blacktoft who we return to as our idea of the winner.
Blacktoft (USA) 9-1 (11-0) Led, hit 4th, headed and blundered 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 9, well behind Sambulando (11-0) at Cartmel 2m 1f mdn hdl (5) gs in May.
Sands of Barra (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Held up, went modest 5th 3 out, never troubled leaders, 4th of 11, 42l behind Night Orbit (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gd in May.
Aura Of Calm (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Mid-division, lost place 6th, tailed off and pulled up before next, in a race won by Woody Valentine (11-3) at Sedgefield 2m 4f sell hdl (5) gd in Apr, 13 ran.
Carpe Momentum (USA) 28-1 (10-0) In touch, ridden approaching 3 out, weakening from 2 out, 5th of 12, 25l behind Monsieur Georges (10-11) at Leicester 2m 4f sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) sft in Dec.
Waterdale (IRE) 20-1 (10-9) Held up, effort approaching 3 out, no impression, 6th of 17, 20l behind Lady Wright (11-7) at Wetherby 2m 4f sell hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf in Apr.
Amir Pasha (UAE) 14-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened approaching last, 6th of 13, 20l behind Copper Sound (10-11) at Hexham 2m Am nov hcp hdl (5) gf in May.
Anduril 18-1 (10-9) Tracked leader, ridden and weakened approaching last, 10th of 13, 46l behind Copper Sound (10-11) at Hexham 2m Am nov hcp hdl (5) gf in May.
Ben Bacchus (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Held up towards rear, pushed wide bend after 3rd, last and struggling 3 out, 13th of 15, 29l behind Quiditch D'ouxy (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m sell hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf in Apr.
Pecavi (IRE) 33-1 (10-9) Led, soon clear, reduced advantage after 5th, headed 3 out and soon weakened, 9th of 16, well behind Moonlight Sapphire (10-11) at Kilbeggan 2m 3f 4yo mdn hdl gs in Apr.
Tank Commander 50-1 (10-8) Held up mid-division, weakened 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by San Deng (11-0) at Wetherby 2m 6f mdn hdl (5) gf in Apr, 10 ran.
Jellytot (USA) 80-1 (10-4) Held up, effort approaching 3 out, never dangerous, 6th of 11, 45l behind Night Orbit (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gd in May.
