held up, ridden into 4th approaching 4 out, weakening when hit 2 out
made all, hit last, comfortably
held up, headway 15th, soon ridden, weakened 4 out
chased leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, hit 2 out, kept on same pace
chased leaders, ridden after 15th, one pace from next
held up, headway after 15th, effort approaching 4 out, soon beaten
chased winner, ridden approaching 4 out, kept on same pace
Last year's winner Twisted Logic is well treated for this season's renewal and the old boy is fancied to teach younger rivals Manx Royal and Terramarique how it¿s done at his beloved Exeter. Terramarique looks good on form figures alone and is likely to be a popular choice. However, he is nothing out of the ordinary and makes limited appeal at the predicted prices. Manx Royal never lived up to the potential he showed during his early days with Martin Pipe but has adapted well to fences. He can be expected to pay his way this season. The gelding seemed to be enjoying himself until he fell on his only other previous visit to this course, so can go close if keeping his mind on the task in hand today. Lets Go Dutch can also give a good account of herself and she is one to monitor for each-way support in the betting. However, Twisted Logic is as game as they come and he always seems to raise his game when he weaves his way around Exeter. Seven previous course wins is testament to his love of this stiff finish and the 14-year-old should not be underestimated this afternoon.
Manx Royal (FR) 5-4fav (11-2) Held up, headway 10th, led just after 4 out, ridden out, won at Towcester 2m 6f beg chs (4) gd in Mar beating Gemini Storm (11-2) by 4l, 9 ran.
Terramarique (IRE) Evensfav (11-0) Led until 3rd, led 6th until 8th, ridden to lead again 2 out, kept on well, won at Fontwell 2m 6f nov chs (4) gf in Apr beating Magical Harry (10-11) by 3 1/2l, 5 ran.
Bay Island (IRE) 3-1fav (11-0) Mid-division, headway 10th, went 2nd approaching 3 out, ridden and 4 lengths down when blundered 2 out, soon weakened, 5th of 13, 22l behind Mokum (10-8) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Dec.
The King of Angels (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 2 out, ridden and weakened between last 2, 7th of 14, 12l behind Lothian Falcon (11-2) at Cheltenham 3m nov hcp hdl (3) gd in Apr.
Twisted Logic (IRE) 7-4fav (10-0) Disputed until 5th, chased winner until outpaced 13th, rallied from 2 out, no extra flat, last of 3, 3 1/2l behind Fourty Acers (11-7) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp chs 0-125 (3) frm in Apr.
Lets Go Dutch 4-1 (9-13) Mid-division, reminded after 9th, headway 14th, stayed on well after last to lead final 50 yards, won at Worcester 2m 7f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf beating Even Flo (9-12) by 2l, 9 ran.
Good Man Again (IRE) 25-1 (9-12) Tracked leader, led 5 out, ridden 3 out, headed last, one pace, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Sky Warrior (11-12) at Hereford 3m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf.
Finzi (IRE) 9-1 (10-10) Chased leaders to 7th, 8th of 14, 34l behind Ricardo's Chance (11-4) at Worcester 3m cnd nov hcp hdl (5) gf in Apr.
