led, very green and unseated rider 2nd
prominent, hampered 1st, lost place after next, soon in rear, detached 4th, beaten 3 out, tailed off, modest 4th
tracked leaders, 2nd after 3rd, driven to challenge 2 out, soon outpaced by easy winner
tracked leaders, left in lead 2nd, mistake 6th, drew clear last, very easily (1 hurdle omitted)
chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, soon weakened
Skiddaw Valleys was no match for the well-backed Braid Blue over course and distance three weeks ago but that was a still a promising first run over 2m4f from the Nicky Richards’ gelding and he should be winning soon. However, he may again find one good today in the shape of I’ M WISER NOW, who is by Presenting out of a winning hurdler in Ireland and should have more to offer now going jumping after three promising runs in bumpers. Lake Baikal runs in the McManus colours and is bred for jumping being a half-brother to several winners so is worth a market check.
I'm Wiser Now (IRE) 2-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on until no extra in 3rd well inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 1 3/4l behind Floating Rock (10-7) at Catterick 2m (5) gd in Feb.
Ian's Gift (IRE) 66-1 (11-2) Raced wide close up, pushed along over 4f out, ridden and weakened 2f out, 6th of 7, 16 1/4l behind Rintulla (11-2) at Carlisle 2m 1f (5) sft in Mar.
Lake Baikal (FR) Martaline gelding out of La Curamalal.
Skiddaw Valleys 11-4 (11-2) Held up behind, headway 4 out, joined leaders on outside after next, ridden and outpaced by winner between last 2, kept on but no chance from last, 2nd of 9, 11l behind Braid Blue (11-2) at Perth 2m 4f mdn (4) gd in Apr.
Miss Batten (IRE) 7-2 (10-12) Led until after 6th, weakened before 3 out, 6th of 7, dist behind She'sasupermack (10-12) at Ayr 2m 4f (4) gd in May.
