led, quickened pace off home turn, pushed along omitted 2 out, headed omitted last, no extra
in rear, in touch, headway to press leaders omitted 2 out, pushed along before omitted last and soon led, kept on well and pressed closing stages, headed on line
prominent, pushed along entering home straight, outpaced after omitted 2 out
raced keenly behind leader, headway into 2nd omitted last, ridden and stayed on well closing stages, led on line (both hurdles in home straight bypassed due to low sun)
Just The Man may have needed the run after a 168-day break but was last of six and has not been at his best on recent starts. He's tumbled down the weights as a result and is not ruled out completely despite his form figures. Cornicello has a definite chance at his best but pulled up on return from 153 days off last time, so the jury is out to an extent. Gavin is respected on the back of an easy Fakenham win and should remain competitive for his new yard off a 6lb higher mark. It will be interesting to see if he progresses further under the tutelage of Peter Bowen. However, HORN CAPE (NAP) has done really well since joining the in-form Ben Haslam from Nicky Henderson and a 5lb rise in the ratings may not be sufficient to deprive the Fame And Glory gelding of his hat-trick.
Horn Cape (FR) 9-4 (11-9) Handy, ridden to challenge last when blundered and collided with leader, ran on well flat, led final 100 yards, won going away, won at Hexham 2m hcp (4) hvy in Mar beating Miss Lamb (11-5) by 1l, 5 ran.
Just The Man (FR) 16-1 (11-8) Jumped right at times, held up in rear, effort 3 out, soon weakened, last of 6, 29 1/4l behind Hidalgo De L'isle (11-8) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in May.
Cornicello (FR) 18-1 (11-13) Midfield, lost place 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out, at Taunton 2m hcp (4) sft in Apr.
Gavin 15-8fav (10-8) Close up, wide and headway to lead 3 out, clear next, ran on, comfortable, won at Fakenham 2m hcp (5) gd in May beating Hey Bob (10-12) by 16l, 5 ran.
