pressed leader, narrow lead from 8th, over 2 lengths clear 3 out, ridden and pressed 2 out, kept on well to assert flat
chased leaders, weakened 7th, lost touch 4 out, tailed off
chased leaders, ridden and hit 3rd, outpaced by front pair from 4 out, lost poor 3rd approaching 2 out
led, headed after 8th, ridden and 2 lengths down 3 out, tried to rally and hit 2 out, held flat
well in rear, closed under pressure from 3 out, went poor 3rd approaching next
in touch, dropped to rear after 5th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up 4 out
in touch, plugging on at one pace and no chance when hit 3 out
prominent, reminder 4th, lost touch from 7th, tailed off when pulled up approaching 2 out
in touch, ridden and lost place 7th, soon tailed off
Seraph edges out Rebelling and My Retreat as the selection in one of the least intriguing races of the day. My Retreat has been hard to win with and it took an eternity for him to get off the mark over jumps. Still, this is a modest contest and, assuming that he runs anywhere near his best, he has each-way claims in this company. Rebelling showed improved form in a visor last time out and has a claims if building on that effort. The betting market will give a good gauge as to whether the addition of a tong-tie is expected to have the desired effect. However, Seraph, whose yard have been in good form under both codes with a limited number of runners, is the one that appeals most as a betting proposition. Jim Best's charge, unlike many of the others, has stayed further than today's trip and should cope with the underfoot conditions. He is not a stand out on the day, but has a better attitude in a finish than Better Moments, who represents no value at any price.
Better Moment (IRE) 13-2 (11-5) Mid-division, never a danger, 6th of 12, 26l behind Longstone Lady (11-8) at N Abbot 2m 1f sll hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf.
Seraph 9-2 (11-7) Prominent in chasing group, headway to chase leading trio 3 out, went poor 3rd flat, 3rd of 10, 22l behind Young Owen (11-7) at Plumpton 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd in Mar.
Rebelling (IRE) 25-1 (10-3) Tracked leaders, ridden 6th, weakened flat, 4th of 11, 12l behind Formal Cliche (10-1) at Huntingdon 2m 5f sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd in Mar.
Wondersobright (IRE) 13-2 (10-6) Soon chased leader, mistake 2nd and 3rd, led 6th, headed before 3 out, ridden and weakened approaching next, 5th of 11, 18l behind Formal Cliche (10-1) at Huntingdon 2m 5f sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd in Mar.
My Retreat (USA) 10-1 (10-0) In touch, reminders after 6, ridden from next, weakened 2 out, 5th of 8, 31l behind Swift Sailor (11-12) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd in Nov.
Darsharp 40-1 (10-5) Mid-division, reminders after 4th, behind from next, tailed off when pulled up at the 6th in race won by Lesdream (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f sll hdl (5) hvy in Jan, 11 ran.
Paynestown Lad (IRE) 25-1 (9-7) Mid-division, headway 6th, soon chasing leaders, weakened 3 out, 9th of 19, 32l behind Wotashambles (10-10) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft in Feb.
Soleil d'Hiver 16-1 (9-11) In touch, weakened quickly 5th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Silistra (10-11) at Fontwell 2m 2f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) hvy in Mar, 11 ran.
