led narrowly, headed after 2nd, close up when pushed along bypassing 3 out, weakened before last
restrained in midfield, towards rear 4th, ridden and in touch 2 out, headway between horses to lead narrowly last, stayed on strongly flat
held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders 7th, ridden to lead narrowly turning for home, weakened before last
prominent, upsides when hit 2nd, led before 3rd, narrow advantage 2 out, ridden and weakened before last
midfield, awkward 3rd, prominent 4th, ridden after 2 out, switched wide and close up last, stayed on flat but could not match winner
held up in rear, hit 2nd, headway between horses before 2 out, travelled strongly to challenge last, one pace flat
prominent, lost ground 5th, ridden after 7th, weakened before 2 out
held up in midfield, towards rear but in touch when ridden before 2 out, readily outpaced soon after
NonRunner
A competitive handicap with nothing confidently ruled out. Ask Paddington went well on his only start here last October but hasn't been seen since - presumably awaiting better ground. He's one to consider, especially if the market speaks well of him on return. Oscars Leader has a sound form chance but the ground is a question mark whereas SHETLAND BUS is very much at home under these conditions and Oakley Brown is excellent value for his claim. Embole is obviously respected for the Skeltons and Aire Valley Lad, a novice winner here when last seen in September, will be dangerous off his light weight if ready to roll after his break.
Teescomponents Lad 11-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, went 2nd before 6th until after 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 5th of 11, 30 1/4l behind Grand Morning (10-10) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Mar.
Ask Paddington (IRE) 11-2 (11-7) Led, not fluent 3rd, increased tempo 2 out, ridden and pressed last, headed final 110 yards, fought back gamely dying strides but just denied, 2nd of 8, hd behind Glinger Flame (11-12) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Eviscerating (IRE) 50-1 (11-13) Held up towards rear, headway 5th, went 2nd before 3 out, no impression on winner, stayed on, 2nd of 10, 5l behind Fisher Green (11-4) at Wetherby 2m hcp (4) gs in Mar.
Captain Moirette (FR) 12-1 (10-6) Prominent, led 4th, joined and disputed lead after the 7th, headed 4 out and soon ridden, mistake 3 out, weakened quickly and tailed off, 5th of 6, dist behind Oski (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Shetland Bus (GER) 15-2 (12-0) Chased leaders, lost place after 6th, closed when not clear run off final bend, went 2nd before 2 out, no impression approaching last, 2nd of 7, 7l behind Giovanni Change (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Embole (FR) 6-4fav (11-11) In touch, ridden 2 out, kept on flat, not trouble leaders, 4th of 8, 3l behind Falberto (11-7) at Stratford 2m 3f (5) gd in Mar.
Penpal (FR) 22-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, ridden and struggling after 6th, 7th of 10, 33 1/4l behind Fisher Green (11-4) at Wetherby 2m hcp (4) gs in Mar.
Aire Valley Lad 16-1 (10-12) Led early, always handy, led 2 out, clear towards finish, stayed on, won at Hexham 2m (4) gd in Sep beating Fostered Phil (10-12) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
Oscars Leader (IRE) 11-2 (11-12) Settled third, went second 5 out and disputed lead next, soon ridden and dropped to fourth before 3 out, under pressure but could only plug on at one pace, 5th of 12, 17 1/2l behind Kauto D'Amour (10-13) at Newcastle 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in Mar.
