chased leader after 1st, not fluent 5th, lost 2nd before 2 out, 3rd and no impression inside final 100 yards
2nd until after 1st, chased leaders, led 2 out, stayed on well flat
held up in rear, not fluent 2nd, slow and awkward 5th, weakened before 2 out
held up behind leaders, headway to challenge 2 out, every chance last, kept on, no impression towards finish
held up behind leaders, effort 3 out, outpaced before 2 out, well beaten when mistake last
led until 2 out, weakened flat
Zabeel Champion is the tricky one here. A really decent Flat handicapper for Mark Johnston, he's 2-7 over hurdles for the O'Neill team but has only had two starts since May last year when comfortably beaten on both occasions. His best form gives him a leading chance but he hasn't been seen since December too and the market may prove the best guide on this comeback run. Captain Zebo arrives in good heart and is a strong consideration but seems to reserve his best for Hexham and Carlisle. He's a major player if proving as effective here. Therefore, a chance is taken with DARKEST DAY. He disappointed here latest but previous runs at the track were strong efforts and he's worth a shot in receipt of 19lb and upwards all round. Glentruan is best of the remaining trio, none of whom are safely ruled out.
Captain Zebo (IRE) 5-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, took keen hold, closed after 2nd, led before next, headed before 4th, soon led again, headed before 6th, no impression on winner flat, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 7, 2 3/4l behind Mullinaree (11-12) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Jun.
Zabeel Champion 14-1 (11-6) Prominent, pushed along before 3 out, soon faded, 5th of 9, 27 1/4l behind Rafferty's Return (11-11) at Wetherby 2m 5f hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Glentruan (IRE) 10-3 (12-0) Close up when fell 1st, at Perth 2m hcp (4) gd in May.
Well Planted (FR) 6-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, front pair clear 10f out until over 5f out, effort on outside 3f out, not much room and lost place just inside 3f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 6, 7 1/4l behind Sophiesticate (9-9) at Musselburgh 1m 4f hcp (5) gd in Jun.
Wasdell Dundalk (FR) 100-1 (11-10) Towards rear, not fluent 3rd, outpaced after 6th, well behind before 2 out, 6th of 7, dist behind Garde Des Champs (11-4) at Perth 2m hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Darkest Day (IRE) 13-2 (10-10) Chased leader, pushed along and outpaced 2 out, no extra last, 9th of 12, 20 3/4l behind Russian Virtue (11-11) at Perth 2m hcp (4) gs in Jun.
