midfield, mistake 8th, nudged along 10th, struggling before next, tailed off 3 out
chased leaders, dropped to midfield 3rd, pushed along after 10th, soon struggling
chased leaders, went second 11th, led approaching 2 out, went clear before last, ran on well flat, comfortably
pressed leader, led 10th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, kept on but no match for winner
chased leaders, dropped to midfield 4th, weakened quickly 10th, pulled up before 3 out
held up, made some headway before 3 out, never in contention
raced keenly towards rear, outpaced and pushed along after 10th, fell next
led, headed 10th, outpaced approaching 3 out, went third approaching last
mid-division, bad mistake 1st, headway to chase leaders 5th, went third 11th, ridden after 3 out, made no impression on front pair, weakened after 2 out
The dramatic improvement of Bob Backus over course and distance last month was attributed to the application of first-time blinkers but he remains very lightly-raced and has obvious claims if repeating that improved level. SOARLIKEANEAGLE was also much improved last time, however, has a more consistent overall profile too so can supplement recent gains off what remains a feasible mark. Manhattan Bullet is a potential improver but has his fair share of weight and is unproven over the trip, as is the lightly-raced Tommie Beau. King Cool has a shout at his best but disappointed the last twice.
Manhattan Bullet (IRE) 22-1 (11-6) Towards rear, pushed along briefly before 8th, awkward 9th, ridden and not fluent 10th, well beaten before 2 out, kept on, 7th of 10, dist behind Windance (11-11) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp (4) gs in Mar.
King Cool 11-1 (11-11) Last pair, tailed off before 7th, pulled up before 10th, at Plumpton 3m 1f hcp (5) gd in Apr.
Tommie Beau (IRE) 12-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, outpaced 7th, stayed on well from 2 out, almost got 3rd, 4th of 13, 7 1/4l behind Rukwa (11-12) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 4f hcp (5) gd in Apr.
Bob Backus (IRE) 12-1 (10-2) Raced wide chasing leaders, went 2nd after 7th, led and slightly distracted by loose horse 10th, clear before 2 out, kept on strongly, won at Plumpton 3m 1f hcp (5) gd in Apr beating Queen Among Kings (10-0) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
Givehimhisdew (IRE) 100-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, 7th of 11, dist behind Singapore Saga (12-0) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp (5) gf in Apr.
Queen Among Kings (IRE) 6-1 (10-6) Towards rear throughout, ridden and held after 3 out, 13th of 16, dist behind City Flame (10-8) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (5) gd in May.
Soarlikeaneagle (IRE) 22-1 (10-0) Held up towards rear, headway on inside 3 out, chased leader when ridden before 2 out, close up last, stayed on strongly to lead flat, won at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp (5) gf in Apr beating Lawtop Legend (10-4) by 5 1/2l, 7 ran.
Jappeloup (IRE) 33-1 (10-0) Led until 3 out, soon lost 2nd, weakened before 2 out, 5th of 13, 22 1/4l behind Good News (11-10) at Plumpton 3m 1f hcp (5) gd in Apr.
Steel The China (IRE) 125-1 (10-0) Towards rear, hit 4th, lost touch 5th, awkward 7th and pushed along briefly, well adrift when ridden 9th, not fluent 10th, tailed off before 3 out, 6th of 7, dist behind Diligent (12-2) at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (5) gf in Apr.
