held up in touch, headway and effort between last 2, one pace run-in
tracked leaders, led approaching last, comfortably (hand-timed)
towards rear, struggling from halfway
soon behind, tailed off from halfway
led, headed between last 2, soon weakened
towards rear, outpaced 2 out, kept on one pace run-in, no impression on leaders
close up, challenged between last 2, soon had no chance with winner
towards rear, pushed along 2 out, no impression
towards rear, not dangerous
A chance is taken on Hawkwell, who gets the nod over the progressive Programme Girl, while Roman Army may be the best betting proposition from the modest bunch that make up the field. Roman Army is still a maiden under both codes and his form figures do not make for the most inspiring read. However, he will not need to show much ability to fend off the likes of Ringo and Pharnoon, so looks the best option to consider for each-way punters. Programme Girl has won her last three starts in game fashion and has her act together well just now. However, she did struggle to land the odds in moderate company at Sedgefield last time out, so the cracks may be starting to show. Which bodes well for Hawkwell, who has caught the eye in his last couple of starts. Tony Dobbin takes over the reigns this afternoon and, as the gelding looks to have plenty of scope for improvement, the partnership appear sure to play a significant part in the opener.
Hawkwell (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Held up in touch, headway approaching 2 out, led approaching last, soon clear, won at Hexham 2m amt hcp hdl (5) gf in May beating Blast The Past (11-5) by 8l, 19 ran.
Programme Girl (IRE) 2-5fav (11-4) Tracked leader, led 4th, made rest, jumped left from 3 out, ridden and held on under pressure, flat, won at Sedgefield 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gf beating Fuel Cell (11-0) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Cwm Chwefru 80-1 (10-9) Held up toward rear, tailed off final 2f, 9th of 13, 34l behind Option Money (10-9) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (6) gf in May.
Ringo (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Always towards rear, 9th of 15, 45l behind Middleton Dene (10-9) at Perth 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd.
Roman Army (IRE) 100-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, ridden and outpaced 3 out, soon weakened, 6th of 14, 40l behind John Forbes (10-13) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb.
Thenford Sir (IRE) 50-1 (10-11) Always in rear, 5th of 8, 16l behind Megaton (11-10) at Kelso 2m 6f hdl (4) gf in May.
Yo Pedro (IRE) 33-1 (11-3) Took keen hold, prominent, ridden after 7th, soon weakened, 12th of 14, well behind Cottingham (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn hdl (4) gd.
Eden Samas 100-1 (10-2) Never better than mid-division, 10th of 12, 26l behind All For The Cause (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nhf (6) gf in May.
