towards rear, smooth headway 3 out, ridden 2 out, disputed lead and sustained challenge run in, kept on, just got up
towards rear, ridden before 2 out, mistake last, no extra thereafter
tracked leader, going easily 3 out, pushed along before 2 out, led after last, kept on run in, headed final strides
in rear, not fluent throughout, struggling at halfway, pulled up before 6th
close up on outer, asked for effort before 2 out, no impression and weakened last
led, ridden 3 out, held every chance 2 out, headed before last, kept on same pace towards finish
Whatsupwithyou won in this grade at Uttoxeter in April and has only been raised 2lb. Fleurman did well in his first season over hurdles but FRANCO D’AUNOU wasn’t beaten far off a pound higher mark here in February and tackles a similar surface today. Wavering Down sprang a surprise at Newton Abbot last month while Sayadam makes his handicap debut and is open to further improvement.
Sayadam (FR) 1-2fav (11-8) Made all, pushed clear before 3 out, reduced lead next, joined last, ridden and strongly pressed run-in, always just doing enough and stayed on gamely, won at Ludlow 2m (4) gd in Apr beating Just The Man (11-13) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Whatsupwithyou (IRE) 13-8fav (10-6) Made all, increased tempo 7th, ridden approaching last, kept on flat, advantage reduced by runner-up final 100yds, just held on, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Apr beating Hunters Call (11-12) by ns, 6 ran.
Franco D'Aunou (FR) 15-2 (11-12) Mid-division, pushed along and lost place 5 out, plugged on one pace, 4th of 8, 30l behind Deeper Blue (11-13) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
Barrowmount (IRE) 80-1 (11-13) Held up in rear, fell 5th, at Newton Abbot 2m 6f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Fleurman (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Prominent, driven before 2 out, switched right and no impression on winner before last, plugged on flat, 2nd of 8, 8 1/2l behind Knickerbockerglory (11-13) at Perth 2m (4) gs in Apr.
Wavering Down (IRE) 18-1 (10-13) Close up, led 3 out, pushed along before next, kept on well, won at Newton Abbot 2m 6f hcp (4) gd in Oct beating Sabrina (11-12) by 3 1/2l, 14 ran.
