mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden to chase leaders next, kept on same pace approaching last
always towards rear
behind, ridden after 3 out, stayed on under pressure from next, never nearer
in touch, chased winner 5th, lost place 3 out, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before last
made most, ridden 2 out, headed briefly last, stayed on well under pressure flat
chased leaders to halfway, soon behind
held up in rear, headway 3 out, ridden to chase leaders next, kept on same pace from last
mid-division, driven and lost place 5th, behind when pulled up after 3 out
mid-division, ridden and outpaced 3 out, soon beaten
in touch, ridden to chase leaders 2 out, no impression approaching last
never better than mid-division
chased leaders, ridden and outpaced approaching 2 out, soon weakened
mid-division, lost place 4th, soon tailed off
with winner to 5th, soon lost place, behind when pulled up before 2 out
always towards rear
tracked leaders, went 2nd 3 out, ridden next, led briefly last, kept on to chase winner flat
in touch, ridden 3 out, same pace from next, no impression
mid-division, driven and headway after 5th, ridden to chase leaders next, one paced when hit 2 out, no extra
As anticipated a tough renewal for a big prize and we believe that Tulipa should take the measure of Buena Vista, Travel and Zonergem. Tulipa is no stranger to winning around Rasen having won here in a novice event last July. Trainer Tom George has elected to protect Tulipa's handicap mark by running her on the flat, rather than over hurdles, and the Stroud based handler can repay connection¿s faith by scooping Saturday afternoon¿s prize. With a fast pace likely, this could well play into her hands. Travel has done his share of winning this term but has gone up the handicap as a result. A 14lb rise for a win in a weak Perth handicap appears to be harsh on the surface. Buena Vista is sure to be popular with the old firm of AP McCoy and Martin Pipe teaming up. This would not be the first time that Pipe has saddled a novice to win a big prize and while this is his most tricky assignment to date, he has been impressive in three quickfire wins thus far. Zonergem is a frustrating character and he showed just why when throwing the towel in at Stratford last time out. He has no excuses today as he is on faster ground and is more importantly, racing right-handed. Backers of Monticelli should not expect to see him too early on the case but he continues to run well through the summer period. He won a competitive handicap at Stratford on his last visit although whether he is as effective this way around is another matter. Dominican Monk is held on that line of form. King Eider is watched incase of market positivity as is top-weight Borora who can reverse form with Xellance. Of the remainder, Wiscalitus makes some appeal. He has largely been disappointing but showed something like his truer form when finishing second to Qabas at Uttoxeter on a similar surface. A good race and a good prize that can go to Tulipa.
Borora 7-2fav (11-12) Held up, headway to chase leaders 3 out, ridden approaching next, every chance when not fluent last, kept on flat, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Xellance (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (C) gd in Jun.
Overstrand (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Held up, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on one pace, 4th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Ladalko (11-3) at Ayr 2m 6f hcp hdl (B) gd in Apr.
Zonergem 4-1fav (11-3) Ridden 3 out, always behind, 14th of 15, 38l behind Darrias (10-10) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (C) gd in May.
Travel (POL) 6-1 (11-5) In touch, led approaching 2 out, kept on well, won at Perth 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gd in Jun beating Bodfari Signet (11-2) by 8l, 13 ran.
Buena Vista (IRE) 2-13fav (11-7) Made all, drew clear 2 out, easily, won at N Abbot 2m 1f nov hdl (D) gf in Jun beating Convent Girl (10-2) by 5l, 9 ran.
Xellance (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2 out, kept on under pressure from last, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (C) gd in Jun beating Borora (11-12) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Tulipa (POL) 11-1 (10-13) Held up towards rear and keen, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened, 5th of 6, 30l behind Astronomic (11-4) at Haydock 2m lst nov hdl (A) gs in Dec.
Monticelli (GER) 7-1 (11-6) Mid-division, headway 5th, led 2 out, driven out, won at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd in Jun beating Maclean (10-10) by 3l, 18 ran.
King Eider 16-1 (10-3) Chased leaders to 6th, soon behind, 16th of 18, well behind Definate Spectacle (10-1) at Aintree 2m lst hcp hdl (A) gs in Apr.
Dominican Monk (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Mid-division, no impression when hit 2 out, 8th of 18, 21l behind Monticelli (11-6) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd in Jun.
Duke of Buckingham (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Held up, mistake 1st, headway 7th, chased winner 3 out, hit 2 out, stayed on, 2nd of 13, 2 1/2l behind Danish Decorum (10-7) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp chs 0-135 (C) gf in Jun.
Wiscalitus (GER) 14-1 (11-12) Mid-division, hit 5th, headway approaching 3 out, ridden to lead 2 out, headed last, ran on, 2nd of 18, nk behind Qabas (11-6) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gf in May.
Prince Among Men 8-1 (11-12) Prominent, weakened approaching 3 out, 7th of 13, 33l behind Travel (11-5) at Perth 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gd in Jun.
Jake Black (IRE) 11-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, led approaching 3 out, ridden and headed next, soon weakened, 3rd of 11, 14l behind Donovan (10-3) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gs in Jan.
Bodfari Signet 12-1 (11-2) Held up, headway after 3 out, kept on and no impression from next, 2nd of 13, 8l behind Travel (11-5) at Perth 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gd in Jun.
Hilltime (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, led briefly approaching 2 out, 2nd and beaten when hung right close home, 3rd of 18, 4 1/2l behind Monticelli (11-6) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd in Jun.
Gone Too Far 9-4fav (11-10) Held up towards rear, headway 8th, ridden to chase winner between last two, one pace under pressure, 2nd of 6, 4l behind Adjawar (11-7) at Hexham 2m hcp chs 0-125 (D) gf in Jun.
Donovan (NZ) 11-2 (10-2) Held up mid-division, headway after 3rd, ridden and every chance 3 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 10, 11l behind Border Tale (10-1) at Aintree 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (C) gd in May.
