tracked leaders, effort 4f out, weakened 3f out, eased well over 1f out
chased leaders until dropped rear halfway, stayed on past beaten horses from 2f out
tracked leaders, led over 4f out, soon clear, easily
mid-division, headway to lead 7f out, headed over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
prominent until halfway, soon tailed off
mid-division, ridden and headway 4f out, chased winner 3f out, no chance
short lived effort halfway, mostly in rear
Blackthorn Boy has to give weight to the whole field but he won with plenty in hand last time out and can win again today, with Easement and newcomer Hills Of Home two for the shortlist. The extra couple of furlongs today should be no problem for Gary Moore's charge as he has plenty of stamina in his pedigree (out of half-sister to Kim Muir winner Glyde Court) and with the ground to suit, he looks the likeliest winner. The stable are in good form and this doesn't look the strongest of contests. Easement finished ahead of Blackthorn Boy on their debut and then put in a decent effort when a runner-up next time. His attitude appears ok so he must have place claims at least once again. Hills Of Home represents Alan King and should be monitored in the market for signs of confidence, as should fellow newcomer Finbar's Pi. Port Talbot should come on for his debut and the booking of Robert Thornton (rides Port Talbot instead of Hills Of Home) could be significant. All in all not a great bumper and Blackthorn Boy can win again.
Blackthorn Boy (IRE) 11-8fav (11-4) Prominent, led 5f out, pushed clear 3f out, drifted right final furlong, kept on well, won at Fontwell 1m 6f nhf (6) gf beating Taipan's Promise (11-4) by 7l, 9 ran.
Finbar's Pi (IRE) Moscow Society gelding, half-brother to winning jumper Blue Charm.
Hills of Home (IRE) Pasternak gelding, half-brother to several winners over jumps.
Orion Star (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Took keen held and held up in last pair, plugged on final 2f, 4th of 7, 10l behind Aimigayle (10-0) at Plumpton 2m 2f mdn nhf (6) gd in Mar.
Port Talbot (IRE) 33-1 (10-9) Behind, headway on wide outside over 4f out, chased leaders over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 14, 12l behind Theft (10-2) at Kempton 2m nhf (5) gd in Mar.
Ulf The Unwashed (FR) 25-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner 5f out until 3f out, gradually faded, 5th of 9, 21l behind Blackthorn Boy (11-4) at Fontwell 1m 6f nhf (6) gf.
Bering de Lauriere (FR) 50-1 (10-12) In touch, ridden 4f out, soon outpaced, 14th of 15, well behind Quartano (11-2) at Cheltenham 1m 4f nhf lst (1) hvy in Jan.
Easement 7-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, one pace and ridden when carried left 2f out, rallied and kept on final furlong to take 2nd final 50 yards, 2nd of 14, 5l behind Theft (10-2) at Kempton 2m nhf (5) gd in Mar.
