chased leaders, lost place after 11th, soon behind, went modest 4th 2 out, never a threat
mid-division, lost place 11th, behind and struggling 15th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
mid-division, tracked leaders 11th, hampered 4 out, soon outpaced, weakened next, tailed off
tracked leaders, outpaced 4 out, weakened after next
hedld up behind, headway after 6 out, chased front pair 4 out, ridden after 3 out, readily outpaced from next
prominent, hit 10th, lost place 5 out, weakened and pulled up before next
in touch, tracked leader from 9th, led 2 out, clear last, ridden out, stayed on well
held up towards rear, headway on outer 14th, close up in 4th and going well enough when blundered and unseated rider 4 out
raced keenly, led, headed 2 out, soon ridden, readily outpaced by winner before last
Popaway is a regular at this meeting, winning this race in 2016. But she’s not getting any younger and, along with Dabinett Moon, was beaten out of sight last year by FRELIA (NAP). David Gibbs’ mare has suffered three narrow defeats in Opens in the last few months but she retains plenty of ability and this stiffer course and test of stamina is right up her street. Queen Olivia beat the selection at Fontwell last May but the runner-up had her excuses that day. However, Leanda Tickle’s mount is a threat having only found one too good in a couple of hunter chases at Ludlow this year. Palmaria is unexposed under Rules and Teeton Power also warrants a second look given recent improvement.
Dabinett Moon 1-4fav (11-0) Ww; clsd 13; led app last; drvn out, won at Kimble 3m sft in Mar beating Sedgemoor Express (11-0) by 4l, 3 ran.
Frelia (IRE) 7-4fav (11-10) Trckd ldrs; led 2 out til hdd cl home, 2nd of 7, nk behind Shantou Tiger (11-11) at Hereford P-t-p Course 3m gs in Apr.
Martha's Benefit (IRE) 5-2 (12-0) Held up; hdwy 14; no ex 3 out, 3rd of 6, 7 1/2l behind Sposalizio (12-0) at Witton Castle 3m gd in Apr.
Palmaria 5-2jfav (11-3) Mostly jumped well, tracked leader, led after 2nd, made rest, clear before 2 out, left alone when untidy at the last, won at Exeter 3m (6) hvy in Apr
Queen Olivia 5-2 (11-7) Tracked leaders, went second 12th, ridden and every chance 4 out, always held from next, 2nd of 3, 1l behind Mr Mercurial (12-4) at Ludlow 3m (5) sft in Apr.
Maybe Plenty 7-4 (10-7) Led to 3 & 14 til hdd cl home, 2nd of 5, 3/4l behind Hellorboston (11-0) at Andoversford 3m in Apr.
Popaway 1-4fav (11-0) (tt) hdwy 7;l led 9 til hdd aft 12; led 2 out; easy, won at Guilsborough 3m gd in Apr beating Kazuri Kate (10-7) by 7l, 3 ran.
Roseyroo (IRE) 6-4fav (11-12) Held up; no imp 3 out; fin 3rd; promoted, 3rd of 6, at Buckfastleigh 3m sft in Mar.
Teeton Power 4-5fav (11-7) Led 5; drew clr 15; unchall, won at Guilsborough 3m gd in Apr beating Gunmoney (12-0) by 25l, 4 ran.
