in touch, went 2nd approaching 6th until weakening when mistake 3 out
mid-division, reminders after 2nd, lost place 4th, tailed off when pulled up after 6th
prominent, led 6th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, kept on one pace
held up, hit 1st and 6th, effort approaching 7th, soon weakened
mid-division, headway 6th, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, hit last, stayed on
prominent and keen, led 2nd, jumped slowly 5th, headed next, weakened quickly, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out
held up, headway 6th, ridden and every chance after 3 out, weakening when hit 2 out
led to 2nd, prominent until weakened approaching 7th
Lake Merced, Leopold and Dyneburg look the three to concentrate on in this competitive opener and the tentative vote is given Lake Merced. The selection was a fair third behind Decisive last time out that sets the standard in the context of this race and he need only run up to that mark to score. Leopold rates the main danger on his latest fourth behind Carthorne and if the first time visor brings about some improvement he will be hard to beat. Dyneburg is another worthy of respect on his latest third behind Rajam especially as this longer trip looks sure to suit. Of the remainder Martovic would have chances on his best form but he has not progressed as expected and for the winner we return to Lake Merced.
Earls Rock 8-1 (11-3) In touch, ridden approaching 2 out, quickly weakened and pulled up approaching last pulled up in race won by Walsingham (11-6) at Southwell 2m 5f cnd hcp hdl 0-90 (F) gd in May, 15 ran.
Keep Asking (IRE) 2-1jt-fav (12-0) 4th of 16, 20l behind Times Two (12-0) at Chaddesley Corb' 3m ptp gf in May.
Lake Merced (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Mid-division, headway 5th, ridden to chase winner 2 out, no extra flat, 3rd of 17, 13l behind Decisive (11-2) at Worcester 2m mdn hdl (E) gd.
Tubber Streams (IRE) 50-1 (10-5) Led, clear approaching 3rd, headed 5th, weakened after 2 out, 6th of 12, 18l behind Cream Cracker (10-12) at Worcester 2m nov hdl (E) gf.
Leopold (SLO) 14-1 (10-3) Held up in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened before 2 out, 4th of 13, 18l behind Crathorne (10-12) at Cartmel 2m 1f mdn hdl (E) gf.
Tyup Pompey (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Chased leaders from 3rd, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 8th of 9, 39l behind Dash For Cover (10-13) at Exeter 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (E) gf in May.
Dyneburg (POL) 20-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, headway 3 out, ridden to chase leaders next, kept on same pace approaching last, no impression, 3rd of 9, 7l behind Rajam (11-1) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nov hdl (D) gd.
Martovic (IRE) 11-4fav (11-0) Led, headed over 5f out, weakened over 3f out, 9th of 18, 33l behind Camden Bella (11-0) at Bangor 2m 1f mrs nhf (H) gd in May.