raced wide close up, went 2nd after 4th, ridden to lead 2 out, pressed when not fluent last, headed close home
led, ridden jumped right and headed 2 out, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, pushed along 3f out, ridden and weakened next
mounted on track, tracked leader until after 4th, tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, every chance when not fluent last, stayed on to lead close home
close up in rear, reminders after 3 out, soon outpaced, behind when tried to refuse and unseated rider 2 out
Zafar was beaten in a handicap recently having earlier got the better of CARDBOARD GANGSTER by less than a length in novice company at Worcester. The latter re-opposes on much better terms today and can turn the tables. Gala De Corton has undergone wind surgery since last in action back in March and better is expected from Paul Nicholls’ charge in this while the newcomer Wild Wilbur is a full brother to a couple of hurdle winners and is preferred to Gentleman Valley.
Zafar (GER) 16-5fav (11-12) Mid-division, ridden 3 out, no impression on leaders but kept on for third run-in, 3rd of 7, 4l behind Hillview (10-0) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Sep.
Cardboard Gangster 5-2 (10-12) Tracked leader early, led after 1st, disputed lead before 4th, led again after 6th, pushed along over 3 out, over length ahead under 2 out, pressed when edged left and hampered rival before last, headed flat and kept on, 2nd of 4, 1/2l behind Zafar (11-5) at Kelso 2m 5f (4) gd in Sep.
Gala De Corton (FR) 11-2 (11-4) Led narrowly, ridden entering home straight, soon headed, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 12, 14l behind Go Dante (11-4) at Wincanton 1m 7f mdn (5) sft in Mar.
Gentleman Valley (FR) 11-2 (11-4) Pressed leader, dropped back with circuit to run, ridden end of back straight,, 6th of 8, 18 3/4l behind Brave Kingdom (11-4) at Fontwell 2m 2f mdn (5) gs in Feb.
Wild Wilbur (IRE) Presenting gelding out of Kon Tiky.
