in touch, soon chasing winner until 11th, weakened 6 out, pulled up before 2 out
in rear and mistakes, went 3rd after 7 out, no impression
chased leaders, chased winner from 11th, no impression from 2 out
held up, hit 9th, weakened from 7 out, pulled up before 4 out
made all, clear from 2 out
chased leaders, lost place 8th, behind when refused 4 out
in rear from 3rd, behind when unseated rider 6th
The Bajan Bandit gets the vote in this hunter chase with Lord of Illusion and Royal Corrouge rating the main dangers. The selection was a fair sort at his best. He is taking a drop in grade, goes well fresh and with one of the better jockeys aboard he looks the one to be on. Lord of Illusion rates the main danger as he won well last time out when beating Reflected Glory in a point but this looks tougher and his overall profile leaves him with a little to find. Royal Corrouge is sure to strip fitter here than when fourth behind Well Presented last time and he should be watched in the market. Harlov is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but he takes hard driving and with this in mind for the winner we return to The Bajan Bandit.
Encore Cadoudal (FR) 8-1 (11-12) Always towards rear, 8th of 14, 30l behind Belem Ranger (11-6) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hts chs (6) gd.
Behavingbadly (IRE) 5-2 (12-5) A handy; went 6l 2nd 15; led last; rdn out, won at Friars Haugh 3m ptp gd beating Garden Feature (11-12) by 2l, 18 ran.
Lord of Illusion (IRE) 9-2 (12-5) Often jw; led aft 12; stayed on stout, won at Weston Park 3m ptp gd in Jan beating Reflected Glory (12-5) by 2l, 8 ran.
Royal Corrouge (IRE) 2-1fav (12-4) Led 6 til hdd & no ex last, 4th of 15, 17l behind Well Presented (12-0) at Sheriff Hutton 3m ptp sft in Jan.
The Bajan Bandit (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) In touch, led 3rd, mistake 5th, headed 12th, soon behind and pulled up 3 out in race won by Dream Alliance (11-3) at Perth 3m hcp chs (2) sft in Apr, 15 ran.
Torche (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, jumped right 6th and 7th, ridden from 9th, lost place 11th, rallied approaching 5 out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 9, 7l behind Poppy Maroon (10-8) at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Mar.
Redrubyblue (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) A bhnd; t.o & pulled up in race won by Behavingbadly (12-5) at Friars Haugh 3m ptp gd, 18 ran.
Harlov (FR) 8-1 (11-8) Mid-division, outpaced approaching 9th, ridden and weakened from 4 out, 5th of 14, 13l behind Belem Ranger (11-6) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hts chs (6) gd.
