always prominent, led over 2f out, ran on well
held up towards rear, headway over 5f out, chased winner final 2f, no impression
led 3f, remained prominent, weakened over 2f out
prominent, led after 3f, headed 9f out, weakened over 2f out
held up and behind, virtually tailed off 6f out, stayed on steadily final 3f, never nearer
mid-division, ridden halfway, soon struggling
in touch, led over 4f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, one pace
held up, headway on outside 3f out, stayed on steadily, never dangerous
mid-division, headway 6f out, weakened over 3f out
prominent, led 9f out, headed over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
held up in touch, weakened over 3f out
chased leaders, lost place after 6f, behind from halfway
A wide open bumper rounds off the card and as usual in these events the market will be all important but the principals look to be Buck The Legend, Perdiem and King Neptune and the narrow vote is given to Perdiem. The selection hails from a yard that can do no wrong in these races at present and this well-bred type is taken to make a winning debut. Buck The Legend rates the main danger as he was a fair third behind Mountain Oscar last time. He is sure to improve but the suspicion is he will be seen to better effect over a longer trip and he is taken on with this in mind. King Neptune is a Rakaposhi King gelding, a half-brother to winning hurdlers Absolutely Hopefull and Karolena Bay and should be noted in the market. Of the remainder, Stripe Me Blue has shown ability and is another with place claims but he has had plenty of chances and for the winner we return to Perdiem.
Appleaday (IRE) 6-1 (10-6) Mid-division, effort 5f out, soon ridden, weakened 2f out, 6th of 14, 20l behind Sommelier (11-4) at Chepstow 2m nhf (H) sft in Mar '05.
Blue Teal (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, headway over 3f out, weakened quickly inside final 2f, 12th of 18, 33l behind Imperial Commander (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m nhf (4) gs in Oct.
Bringewood Fox 50-1 (10-7) Prominent and keen, ridden over 4f out, soon beaten, 4th of 15, 23l behind Platin Grounds (10-9) at Hereford 2m 1f mdn nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Buck The Legend (IRE) 14-1 (10-9) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, one pace, 3rd of 14, 4 1/2l behind Mountain Oscar (11-0) at Towcester 2m nhf (5) sft in Nov.
Hill Cloud Cloudings gelding out of multiple 1m4f winner Hill Farm Dancer.
Just Playfull 50-1 (11-0) Mid-division until weakened halfway, last of 11, well behind St Wilfrid (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) sft in Oct.
Just Smudge 16-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, steady headway 7f out, ridden and every chance over 3f out, weakned over 1f out, 5th of 11, 10l behind Mount Sandel (11-2) at Worcester 2m mdn nhf (6) gd in Apr.
King Neptune Rakaposhi King gelding, half-brother to winning hurdlers Absolutely Hopeful & Karolena Bay.
Perdiem (IRE) Executive Perk gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Superfly 66-1 (10-13) Prominent and keen, led 6f out, headed 3f out, weakened 2f out, 4th of 15, 17l behind Three Guesses (11-4) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Willing Weasel (IRE) Rudimentary gelding out of an unraced mare.
Golden Alaska Washington State filly, half-sister to 1m2f winner Baajil.
Haru Sir Harry Lewis filly out of winning hurdler Ruby Vision.
Watercress 12-1 (10-4) In touch, weakened over 4f out, tailed off, 13th of 14, well behind Nightfly (10-11) at Southwell 2m mdn nhf (6) gd in Jan.
Stripe Me Blue 7-1 (10-9) Prominent, led halfway, ridden and headed 2f out, one pace, 2nd of 10, 7l behind Seismic Shift (11-2) at Ludlow 2m mdn nhf (5) gd in Nov.
