not fluent in mid-division, ridden and fell 4 out
in touch, headway when mistake 6th, went 2nd and hit next to after 3 out, weakened
led to 2 out, weakened soon after
chased leader until lost place 4th, rallied and went 2nd after next, weakened 7th, tailed off when pulled up after 10th
chased leaders until lost place 10th, headway and went 2nd after 3 out, weakened before last
always behind, tailed off 3 out, pulled up before next
behind, headway when mistake and ridden 10th, chased leaders 3 out, led 2 out, headed last, unable to quicken flat
took keen hold, held up until chased leaders after 2nd, lost place 5th, well behind when pulled up before 4 out
always behind, tailed off when blundered last, pulled up flat, lame
in touch, headway 9th, went 3rd next, ridden to challenge from 2 out, led last, driven out
always behind, lost touch before 4 out, tailed off
Not the greatest of starts to the card however something has to win and the tentative vote goes to Once who ran well last time out and a repeat of that may be enough. The selection ran well at Towcester last time out and the way that he stayed on up the hill suggested that the return to this trip will suit. His strike-rate is hardly too exciting, however that was a pleasing return to action last time after a spell on the sidelines and he can progress form here. Coolers Quest returns to hurdles today and whilst he is not evidently well-treated, he goes well here and the ground should be ideal. Mister Chatterbox returns to the track after an absence of over two years and needs a check in the betting, whilst Fairlight Shadow tries the blinkers for the first time and would have claims if they sharpen him up. At a price Shammy Business could go well, however it is Once who can land the spoils.
Fairlight Shadow (IRE) 9-2 (10-7) Mid-division, ridden after 3 out, kept on same pace from next, hit last, 6th of 12, 11l behind Thenford Star (10-12) at Fontwell 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Apr.
Shammy Buskins 80-1 (10-7) Tendancy to jump right, prominent until ridden and weakened after 3 out, 4th of 12, 35l behind Quickbeam (11-12) at Stratford 2m 6f nov hdl (3) sft in Apr.
Mister Chatterbox (IRE) 11-4fav (11-0) Chased leader, ridden after 7th, one pace under pressure from 2 out, 3rd of 15, 6l behind Complete Outsider (11-7) at N Abbot 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf in Apr '06.
Once (FR) 14-1 (10-2) Led and keen, ridden when mistake 3 out, challenged 2 out, headed last, 2nd of 16, 2l behind High Jack (11-8) at Towcester 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in Apr.
Heaven Is Above (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Chased clear leader until weakened approaching 3 out, 6th of 14, 15l behind Pochard (11-7) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl (5) gs.
Live The Life (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Mid-division, weakened 4 out, tailed off, 13th of 17, well behind Otarie (11-6) at Newbury 3m mrs nov hdl (3) gs in Apr.
Coolers Quest 2-1fav (10-4) Chased leaders until 9th, soon dropped rear, stayed on again from 2 out, 4th of 8, 25l behind Dun Drinan (11-6) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp chs 0-105 (4) frm in Nov.
War Zone (IRE) 66-1 (10-6) Always struggling in rear, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by How's Business (10-7) at Plumpton 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gd in Apr, 9 ran.
Nod's Star 8-1 (10-13) Mid-division, headway 8th, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, 12th of 14, well behind Mistified (11-7) at Fontwell 2m 6f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf in Jun.
Gunnabelil 20-1 (10-2) In rear, behind from 8th, one pace, 5th of 11, 39l behind Benedict Bay (10-7) at Plumpton 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) hvy in Mar.
Fleur Babe 10-1 (9-9) In touch, jumped right 3rd, lost place approaching 3rd, weakened after 5th, 6th of 8, 33l behind Dancing Partner (10-9) at Stratford 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft in Mar.
Huck Finn (NZ) 16-1 (10-13) Prominent, hampered after 6th, weakened before next, 11th of 18, well behind Creinch (11-12) at Bangor 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Apr.
