led, headed 5f out, weakened over 3f out, tailed off
always behind, tailed off
chased leader, led 5f out, headed over 1f out, kept on
held up, ridden and headway over 3f out, one pace
mid-division, headway 5f out, one pace final 3f
held up towards rear, some headway over 6f out, lost place over 3f out
towards rear, ridden 7f out, soon struggling
held up, headway 6f out, weakened over 3f out
towards rear, headway 6f out, lost place 3f out
held up towards rear, effort over 3f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders and keen, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on well
mid-division, headway 6f out, lost place over 2f out
behind, ridden and weakened over 5f out, tailed off
chased leaders, weakened 3f out, tailed off
mid-division, behind final 6f, tailed off
The market should offer most clues with King Of The Jungle setting the standard with Benmore Boy and Pistolet Dove looking two of the more likelier dangers. King Of The Jungle was well touted ahead of his Newbury debut. Having failed to deliver, the application of headgear was considered although the punters left him alone as an SP of 22/1 indicated. Benmore Boy is well related and does have a number of bumper winners within his pedigree. The market will show whether anything is anticipated at this stage by Henrietta Knight. Pistolet Dove is related to the family of Champion hurdler, Flakey Dove. He could have a future if producing the goods today. Toastmaster and Checkerboard were purchased for good money at the sales and are watched for any signs of confidence. Busker Royal had a couple of previous winners behind on debut and could be expected to improve. Of the remainder, Mr Barnacle is related to a number of stayers. In the absence of market information, King Of The Jungle gets the nod.
King of The Jungle (IRE) 22-1 (11-1) Made all, driven clear over 4f out, hard ridden and strongly challenged over 1f out, ran on, won at Huntingdon 2m nhf (5) gd in Mar beating Lord Appellare (11-4) by 1 1/2l, 14 ran.
Conbeno (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, one pace over 2f out, 4th of 13, 19l behind Nodform William (11-2) at Musselburgh 2m mdn nhf (6) gd in Nov.
Glenary (IRE) 9-2 (11-4) Prominent, shaken up over 6f out, every chance well over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 3rd of 14, 1 1/2l behind King of The Jungle (11-1) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (5) gd in Mar.
Mr Barnacle (IRE) Zaffaran gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Peters Star (IRE) Fourstars Allstar gelding, half-brother to winning chaser Shackleton & winning jumper Red Perk.
Pistolet Dove (IRE) Pistolet Bleu gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Springfield Gunner Gunner B gelding, half-brother to winners over hurdles and in bumpers.
The Grandchild (IRE) 5-1 (10-13) Towards rear, headway 6f out, chasing leaders when hung badly left and came wide in home straight and weakened, 4th of 8, 31l behind Val du Ciron (10-11) at Ludlow 2m nhf (5) gd in Mar.
Toastmaster (IRE) Oscar gelding, half-brother to bumper winner Havenstone.
Benmore Boy (IRE) Old Vic gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Busker Royal 20-1 (10-9) Held up behind, headway 8f out, ridden 2f out, kept on, always held final furlong, 2nd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Sir Harry Ormesher (10-6) at Ascot 2m nhf (4) gs in Feb.
Checkerboard (IRE) Alderbrook gelding, half-brother to winning jumper Major Jamie & winning hurdler Red Man.
Hemington Shahrastani gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Paradigm Investor (IRE) Great Palm gelding, half-brother to winning miler Balali & bumper winner Berwick Law.
West End Final Kayf Tara gelding, half-brother to numerous winners up to 1m.
Lady Chatelaine (IRE) 66-1 (10-9) Mid-division, ridden to chase winner over 4f out, one pace, 3rd of 8, 21l behind Berwick Law (11-9) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) hvy in Mar.
Silver Alidante Silver Patriarch filly, half-sister to two Flat winners abroad.
Rock Alliance (IRE) Rock Hopper gelding out of a moderate racemare.