in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out
pulled hard and held up, rapid headway to chase leaders 3f out, led over 2f out, hung right and soon headed, switched right, stayed on final furlong, not reached winner
mid-division, ridden and effort 6f out, weakened 3f out
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened
prominent, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden over 4f out, weakened 2f out
mid-division, ridden halfway, soon weakened
pulled early towards rear, headway from 4f out, ridden and challenged 2f out, no extra final furlong
mid-division, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out
prominent, ridden and weakened over 3f out
prominent, ridden 6f out, soon weakened
chased leader, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened
towards rear, headway from 5f out, kept on one pace final furlong
mid-division, ridden 4f out, stayed on to go 3rd final furlong
towards rear, headway from over 3f out, led 2f out, ridden over 1f out, driven out
PENNELLIS was disappointing last time out but he may appreciate this easier track and is nominated accordingly ahead of Rocky Lane, Melteme and Nice One Eric. The selection lost three places near the finish last time as he struggled to get home at Chepstow. The long straight seemed to find him out (as it does for quite a few) and likely to appreciate this less demanding circuit he can break his duck. He is unlikely to be a cracking price, so alternatives may include Nice One Eric. Emma Lavelle's charge ran in a decent bumper at Newbury last time and wasn't disgraced back in fifth; improvement is anticipated and along with stablemate Tocca Ferro he is high on the shortlist. Victor Dartnell's horses are in better form now so newcomer Rocky Lane needs respect along with Just Cloudy. Chesil Beach Boy and Lomitaar have both shown ability but it could be argued that this looks a better race than they have been contesting of late. Not the easiest of finishes to a decent card but the tentative nod is given to Pennellis.
Astral Boy (IRE) 18-1 (11-2) Held up, headway 5th, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace, 6th of 16, 28l behind Cross Kennon (11-2) at Ludlow 2m mdn nhf (4) gs in Nov.
Chesil Beach Boy 9-1 (10-11) Pulled hard in rear, headway to chase leader after 6f, led over 3f out, headed over 2f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 15l behind Foolish Cliche (10-11) at Exeter 2m 1f nhf (5) gf in May.
Just Cloudy Cloudings gelding out of Tycoon Tina.
Mayor Of Kilcock King's Theatre gelding out of flat and hurdles winner Disallowed.
Melteme (IRE) Oscar gelding out of Cathy Dee.
Merry Terry 25-1 (11-4) In touch, led 6f out, every chance over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 8th of 11, 15l behind Roman Conquest (11-1) at Wincanton 2m nhf (5) hvy in Jan.
Mixed Fortunes Commanche Run gelding out of Energance.
Nice One Eric (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, headway over 3f out, one pace final 2f, 5th of 18, 8l behind Henry King (11-0) at Newbury 2m 4yo nhf (5) gs in Nov.
Pennellis (FR) 15-8fav (11-0) Prominent, ridden and every chance 2f out until 1f out, weakened, 5th of 15, 5l behind Bella Haze (10-7) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) sft in Dec.
Rocky Lane (IRE) Great Palm gelding out of Green Thorn.
Russian Orphan 80-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, ridden 7f out, soon weakened and behind, tailed off over 2f out when pulled up in race won by Sherwani Wolf (10-13) at Plumpton 2m 2f nhf (6) sft in Dec, 14 ran.
Arctic Watch 33-1 (10-12) Always in rear, lost touch final 4f, last of 15, 32l behind Cill Rialaig (10-9) at Cheltenham 1m 4f 4yo nhf (1) gs in Jan.
Imperial Falcon (IRE) Imperial Ballet gelding out of Iva's Flyer.
Lomitaar 20-1 (10-4) Mid-division, ridden and switched left over 2f out, drifted right 2f out, soon went 2nd, kept on final furlong, 2nd of 13, 10l behind Daring Origyn (10-0) at Exeter 2m 1f mdn nhf (5) gd in Jan.
Tocca Ferro (FR) April Night gelding out of La Pelode.
