whipped around start and behind, headway to lead after 2f, headed 7f out, soon weakened
always towards rear, no impression
pulled hard and held up, headway to chase leaders halfway, every chance over 2f out, ridden and found nil
led for 2f, prominent until ridden 3f out, challenged over 2f out, kept on
towards rear, headway 6f out, challenged 3f out, led 2f out, ran on well final furlong
pulled hard and chased leader, ridden 4f out, soon weakened
towards rear, ridden and weakened 6f out
towards rear, ridden 4f out, weakened 3f out
prominent, ridden and challenged 4f out, every chance over 2f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division, ridden and weakened 5f out
prominent, headway 4f out, ridden and led over 2f out, headed 2f out, kept on final furlong
The betting will no doubt have its say but without that information we will take a chance on GREAT MATES ahead of Flora Milly. The fact that the selection contested a decent bumper at Aintree last season won by Knockara Beau indicates that he is fairly well-thought of at home. It may be that this is a prep run before going Novice hurdling, however the stable are on top and this could be another notch. Carl Llewellyn's horses need a check in bumpers, but they are perhaps more of interest when he sits on them himself, so a bigger danger in regards to the newcomers may be Megabil, a half-brother to On Raglan Road. Flora Milly showed some ability on her debut at Wincanton behind a well-regarded Alan King inmate, whilst Tara Taylor and Dark Haven are not to be ruled out. A tricky end to the card, but Great Mates can score.
All About Jack 33-1 (10-7) Mid-division until weakened 6f out, 10th of 11, well behind Megasue (11-0) at Fontwell 1m 6f nhf (6) gd in Oct.
Ana Buachaill Dana 16-1 (11-3) Behind, headway 4f out, no impression, 6th of 12, well behind Vivona Hill (10-9) at Wetherby 2m nhf gd in Apr.
Great Mates (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, chased winner after 7f, weakened and wandered over 1f out, 8th of 16, 24l behind Knockara Beau (11-9) at Aintree 2m 1f nhf (4) gd in May.
Ironical (IRE) Bob's Return gelding out of Cheryls Pet.
Megabill (IRE) King's Theatre gelding out of Dawn Bid.
Royal Wings (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Ridden 5f out, mainly towards rear, 7th of 12, 28l behind Canaradzo (10-12) at N Abbot 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in May.
Tiny Dynamo 100-1 (10-1) Towards rear, headway halfway, weakened over 4f out, 12th of 15, well behind Mahonia (11-4) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) gs in Feb.
Champagne Star 125-1 (10-1) Ran green, always in rear, 10th of 12, well behind Eight Palms (10-8) at Stratford 2m nhf (6) gd in Mar.
Dark Haven Lugana Beach mare out of American Pie.
Darn Hot 16-1 (10-4) In touch, ridden and close up 3f out, soon weakened, 9th of 15, 26l behind Tataniano (11-0) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) gd in Oct.
Flora Milly 80-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, headway 6f out, outpaced over 3f out, stayed on from over 1f out, 5th of 12, 19l behind Bakbenscher (11-9) at Wincanton 2m nhf (6) sft in Mar.
Madame Helga 40-1 (10-4) Mid-division until weakened 6f out, 6th of 11, well behind Megasue (11-0) at Fontwell 1m 6f nhf (6) gd in Oct.
Tara Taylor Kayf Tara mare out of Marielou.
Follow The Dream Double Trigger mare out of Aquavita.
