tracked leader, led 4 out, soon clear
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened from 5 out
in rear, soon struggling, pulled up before 9th
tracked leaders, weakened from 5 out, pulled up before 2 out
led, headed 4 out, one pace and no chance with winner
towards rear, detached, pulled up before 14th
Hard Station was still prominent when falling in a competitive affair at Cheltenham 12 days ago. Skylander has won over hurdles and fences and landed a point at Didmarton in March but may have a bit to find at the weights with Strumble Head and VIVALDI COLLONGES. The former made a winning return over course and distance and deserves respect but has to give 4lb to Paul Nicholls’ Newbury scorer, who may be worth following now back in form. Brandy And Red is preferred to Ambitious Pursuit of the others.
Strumble Head (IRE) 9-1 (12-6) Jumped right, made all and clear at times, joined 2 out, ridden to assert approaching last, driven out, won at Newton Abbot 3m 2f (6) sft in Apr beating O Maonlai (11-12) by 3 1/4l, 5 ran.
Vivaldi Collonges (FR) 9-2 (12-6) Chased leaders, led after 8th, slightly hampered by loose horse and headed next, led again 10th, pecked 13th, headed next, upsides last, stayed on gamely run-in to lead final 100 yards, won at Newbury 2m 7f (6) sft in Mar beating Billy Merriott (11-12) by nk, 8 ran.
Ambitious Pursuit (IRE) 6-1 (12-0) (bl) no hdwy 3 out; wl bhnd when pu last, at Flete Park 3m gs in May.
Brandy And Red (IRE) 16-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, ridden and outpaced after 3 out, kept on to take 3rd place run-in, 3rd of 5, 15l behind Creative Inerta (11-10) at Exeter 3m (6) gd in May.
Hard Station (IRE) 14-1 (11-10) Took keen hold, led after 1st, clear to 15th, fell 20th, at Cheltenham 4m 1f (4) gd in May.
Skylander (IRE) 9-4 (12-0) Trckd ldrs; went 2nd aft 2 out; one pce, 2nd of 6, 4l behind Wind Tor (11-7) at Flete Park 3m gs in Apr.
