tracked leaders until 9th, soon weakened
led until 3 out, soon ridden, kept on, not pace of winner
took keen hold in touch, effort 4 out, weakened next
held up, headway 8th, close-up when blundered 12th, soon ridden, weakened 3 out
always travelling well tracking leaders, led 3 out, soon clear easily
tracked leader, ridden approaching 3 out, soon one pace
jumped slowly left, held up, no chance from 10th
held up, headway 10th, ridden after 4 out, stayed on same pace from next, went 3rd after 2 out
close up, nudged along from 7th, beaten 10th
in touch, took closer order 10th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon one pace
Nonrunner
OBELIX DE LONGECHAUX may be worth chancing on his return to action; Ice Bucket should be involved whilst Royal Wedding, Roofing Spirit and Space Cowboy have possibilities. Noel Chance is capable of readying one after an absence and it looks significant that he has acquired the services of Rhys Flint for this one's return to action. He is just one pound higher than for his last success which came under similar conditions and he doesn't have too many miles on the clock. Ice Bucket has run sound races the last twice but receives no respite from the assessor as a result whilst Roofing Spirit has never convinced at this trip. Sea The Light and Kerriemuir Lass have their well-being to prove whilst winning hasn't come easily to Space Cowboy which could leave the way clear for unexposed contenders Intac and Royal Wedding. The former was beaten a long way on his chase bow and needs a market check but the latter was staying on nicely at Sandown and looks a more obvious improver. That all goes to make this an intriguing contest in which Obelix De Longechaux is selected.
Intac (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Mostly chased winner, hit 5th, weakening when mistake 4 out, tailed off, 5th of 6, 29l behind Muhtenbar (11-4) at Ascot 2m 1f nov stks (3) gd in Mar.
Ice Bucket (IRE) 13-8fav (11-7) Tracked leader, led 12th, ridden 3 out, headed last, no extra, 2nd of 9, 3l behind Free Gift (11-3) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Mar.
Sea The Light 8-1 (11-9) Held up mid-division, lost place 10th, pulled up before 4 out, in a race won by Wot Way Chief (11-12) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Feb, 7 ran.
Obelix De Longechaux (FR) 9-1 (10-4) Always behind, 6th of 11, 27l behind Nadover (11-8) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Dec '07.
Royal Wedding 13-2 (10-12) In touch, chased leaders 4 out, went 2nd next, no chance with winner after 2 out, 2nd of 6, 8l behind Dominican Monk (11-2) at Sandown 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Mar.
The Spieler (IRE) 9-2 (11-8) Towards rear, ridden and hit 7th, struggling 9th, pulled up before next, in a race won by Fire And Rain (10-12) at Kempton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Mar, 9 ran.
Kerriemuir Lass (IRE) 20-1 (10-13) Held up, hampered 5 out, not recover, 7th of 10, 29l behind Aheadofhistime (10-6) at Chepstow 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
Noble Bily (FR) 12-1 (11-5) In rear, brief effort 3 out, 8th of 12, 27l behind Milton Des Bieffes (9-11) at Stratford 2m 4f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd in Mar.
Hondalia (IRE) 33-1 (11-1) Mid-division, ridden after 8th, weakened before next, 9th of 14, 36l behind Georgian King (11-1) at Exeter 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gd in Apr '08.
Space Cowboy (IRE) 8-1 (10-6) Mistake 1st, tracked leading pair, mistake 4 out, went 2nd approaching 3 out, hit 2 out, well held when driven, hit last, 2nd of 6, 4l behind Porters War (11-11) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
Roofing Spirit (IRE) 17-2 (11-8) Tracked leaders, one pace flat, 3rd of 10, 2 3/4l behind Aheadofhistime (10-6) at Chepstow 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd.
