chased leader, led 2 out, soon in command, easily
led, mistake and headed 2 out, soon no chance with winner
disputed 3rd until ridden 6th, outpaced before 3 out
took keen hold, disputed 3rd, outright 3rd at 6th, ridden before 3 out, one pace and no chance with leading duo when mistake next
Shardakhan has failed to complete in any of his four outings this season and looks an unlikely winner of this but Forest Rhythm is gradually easing toward a decent mark, though took a heavy fall behind Laustra Bad over 2m1f at this track on his penultimate start. David Pipe's charge won easily that day and stays this longer trip but has gone up 10lb in the weights as a result and could struggle to give the weight away to MIDNIGHT OPERA. The latter still looks to be on the upgrade and can follow up a smooth success at Wincanton last month.
Laustra Bad (FR) 11-4fav (11-7) Held up in touch, steady headway approaching 3 out, soon challenged, led next, clear last, ridden out flat, eased towards finish, comfortably, won at Exeter 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Mar beating Be Definite (11-2) by 9l, 9 ran.
Midnight Opera 4-1 (10-13) Made all, set strong gallop, jumped well, ridden and ran on, won at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gf in Mar beating Waldvogel (11-6) by 12l, 5 ran.
Shardakhan (IRE) 50-1 (11-5) Held up mid-division, pushed along 5f out, weakened over 3f out, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Flying Award (10-11) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd, 14 ran.
Forest Rhythm (IRE) 16-1 (10-8) Always in rear, tailed off before 3 out, 6th of 14, 33l behind Master Fiddle (11-6) at Newbury 2m 3f cnd nov hcp hdl (0-120) (3) gd in Mar.
