led, mistake 4th, headed under 4 out and soon weakened, pulled up
tracked leader and raced wide, disputed lead from under 4 out, led 3 out, pressed over 2 out, headed well before last, kept on same pace until plugged on again closing stages
held up, short of room under 4 out, pushed along over 3 out and soon left behind
mid-division, raced freely, mistake 5th, closed going well under 4 out and soon disputed lead, headed 3 out, ridden over 2 out and soon weakened
tracked leader, mistake 4 out and soon pushed along, weakened under 3 out
mid-division early, chased leaders before 4th, pushed along over 3 out, ridden under 3 out, kept on same pace until ran on from before last, kept on flat until no extra close home
held up in rear, pushed along under 4 out and soon dropped away
held up, headway over 3 out, switched left and going well in 2nd over 2 out, led well before last, ridden and quickly pulled clear flat, eased closing stages, comfortably
The top six all make seasonal reappearances which makes life difficult regarding their respective fitness levels. The other two, Looks Like Power and To Be Sure, need to up their game based on latest efforts, so the vote goes to APACHE CREEK. From a yard whose inmates continue to perform creditably, the six-year-old - most progressive last term - should have more to offer. Oneupmanship fits into the same category and rates a lively danger for Jack Barber, whilst it will be interesting to see how Bells Of Peterborough goes off a career-high mark. Seaston Spirit and Poker Play have plenty on their plate and Good And Hardy needs a market check.
Seaston Spirit 14-1 (11-5) In rear, not fluent 5th and 8th, headway 13th, ridden to chase leaders after 18th, one pace from 4 out, 5th of 14, dist behind Amateur (10-8) at Ffos Las 3m 4f hcp (3) gs in Apr.
Poker Play (FR) 7-1 (11-9) Mid-division, struggling final bend, well beaten 7th out, 9th of 12, 35 1/4l behind Geordie Des Champs (11-5) at Ffos Las 3m hcp (3) gs in May.
Apache Creek (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders on inside, led 3 out but hard pressed, driven and headed flat, carried slightly left, stayed on, just held last strides, 2nd of 8, hd behind The Macon Lugnatic (11-10) at Ffos Las 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in May.
Oneupmanship (IRE) 10-11fav (11-4) Close up, led 2nd, ridden after 3 out, narrow advantage 2 out, joined last, stayed on strongly to lead flat, won at Ffos Las 2m 6f mdn (4) gs in Apr beating Barely Famous (10-11) by 1l, 8 ran.
Good And Hardy (IRE) 20-1 (11-12) Towards rear, hit 15th, soon ridden, remote 7th 16th, pulled up before next, at Warwick 3m 5f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
Bells Of Peterboro (IRE) 11-4 (11-4) Tracked leaders on inside, pushed along and outpaced before 3 out, good headway tracking leaders before 2 out, went 2nd 2 out, led before last where mistake, stayed on well, won at Chepstow 3m hcp (4) gd in Apr beating Johnny B (11-6) by 1l, 6 ran.
Looks Like Power (IRE) 25-1 (10-4) Always rear-division, never involved, 6th of 10, dist behind Take Your Time (10-11) at Ffos Las 3m hcp (3) sft in Oct.
To Be Sure 15-2 (12-3) Raced in mid-division, fell at 3rd, at Ffos Las 3m hcp (5) gd in Oct.
