chased leading pair, weakened after 3 out, disputing modest 4th when fell last
always in last pair, pushed along and some headway after 5th, struggling when hit next, tailed off and eased
virtually refused to race, pulled up before 1st
tracked leading trio, travelling well after 3 out, led before next, soon clear, driven right out
held up in last pair, never a factor, tailed off
tracked leader, led narrowly approaching 4 out, ridden and headed before mistake 2 out, no impression when lost 2nd before last
held up in touch, pushed along in last pair after 5th, stayed on from after 3 out, went 2nd before last, never any chance with winner
led, not fluent 2nd, narrowly headed 4 out, chased leader until ridden after 3 out, weakened bfore next, left poor 4th last, tailed off
Nonrunner
Steve Dixon's pair SUN QUEST and Warsaw Pact both have solid claims here near the foot of the handicap. The vote goes to the former, who is better suited by today's going and now 6lb lower than when a fair third at Taunton in December on similar ground. Rowlestone Lad would have a chance on his best form but Sacrilege is difficult to fancy on this season's efforts and Osmosia may need this after a lay-off. Edlomond has ability but doesn't always show it so Marshal Zhukov may be best of the rest.
Rowlestone Lad 8-1 (11-5) Held up in touch, took keen hold, closed 3rd, not fluent 4th, stumbled 3 out, 3rd and beaten when mistake last, weakened flat, 3rd of 9, 20l behind Sohappyharry (11-9) at Ludlow 2m 5f nov hcp 0-115 (4) gd.
Edlomond (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Held up well off the pace, headway halfway, soon pushed along, weakened 4out, pulled up before next, in a race won by Bay Central (10-5) at Wincanton 2m nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in Mar, 5 ran.
Sacrilege 100-1 (10-0) Reluctant to race and reminder soon after start, headway to lead after 1st, headed approaching 3 out, weakened before next, tailed off, last of 7, well behind Dream Esteem (11-2) at Newbury 2m hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gs in Mar.
Marshal Zhukov (IRE) 17-2 (10-12) Held up, headway 7th, weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off, 5th of 11, well behind Midnight Tuesday (11-4) at Newbury 2m 3f cnd nov hcp hdl (0-120) (4) gs in Mar.
Osmosia (FR) 5-1 (11-6) Held up in rear, mistake 2nd, under pressure 7th, headway 4 out, moderate 4th when fell 2 out, in a race won by Sawago (10-13) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp chs 0-105 (4) sft in Dec, 6 ran.
Sun Quest 20-1 (10-10) Prominent, ridden and weakened 5th, 7th of 11, 24l behind Katchmore (11-8) at Taunton 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gf in Mar.
Warsaw Pact (IRE) 10-3 (11-9) Tracked leader, effort 2 out, every chance when mistake last, ridden and kept on flat, held towards finish, 3rd of 6, 1l behind Swiss Art (11-1) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gf.
Pepito Collonges (FR) 9-2 (10-10) Raced in 4th or 5th, closed 6th, went 3rd after 3 out, outpaced before next, no extra flat, 3rd of 7, 11l behind What's For Tea (9-9) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd in Mar.
Spiritual Art 25-1 (10-12) Mid-division on outside, lost place 5th, well beaten after next, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Illysantachristina (10-3) at Uttoxeter 2m mrs hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gs in Nov, 12 ran.
