tracked leaders, pushed along after 4 out, outpaced 3 out, jumped left and mistake 2 out, went left and not fluent last, lost modest 3rd flat
in touch, not fluent and reminder 3rd, outpaced after 6th, plugged on approaching last, went 3rd flat
led until 1st, prominent, not fluent 2nd or 3rd, pushed along 6th, soon lost place, behind after 4 out, pulled up before 3 out
in touch on outside, disputing 2nd from 3rd, hit 6th, ridden before 3 out, mistake 2 out, weakened last
led 1st, slow 3 out, soon headed, no impression on winner from next
held up, behind early, not fluent 5th, headway next, led after 3 out, clear before last, eased towards finish
A switch to handicaps has brought about plenty of improvement in Salix. He had no problems stepping up in trip when getting off the mark at Huntingdon, though the four-year-old will have to defy a penalty. FLO’SBOY SAM appeared transformed by a wind operation when beating The Black Squirrel by more than four lengths at Wincanton. The runner-up is now 6lb better off but Colin Tizzard’s charge may have the scope to confirm running and go on to better things. No Hiding Place came good at Towcester and is only 3lb higher while a case can also be made for maidens Mahlermade and Touchy Subject.
No Hiding Place (IRE) 6-4jfav (11-12) Led, blundered 5 out, ridden and headed last, rallied run-in to regain lead post, won at Towcester 2m hcp (4) gf in May beating Our Kylie (12-3) by ns, 5 ran.
Mahlermade (IRE) 15-2 (11-0) Held up in touch, ridden and disputing 2nd before 2 out, one pace before last, no extra last, 3rd of 12, 11 1/2l behind Gortroe Joe (11-0) at Warwick 2m 3f (4) gd in May.
Touchy Subject (IRE) 11-1 (11-2) Raced wide close up, outpaced 4 out, ridden and headway 2 out, chased clear winner bend approaching last, one pace and lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 6, 3 1/4l behind Potters Hedger (11-2) at Fakenham 2m 4f mdn (4) gd in May.
Flo'sboy Sam 40-1 (11-0) Tracked leader until before 4th, 2nd again approaching 7th, led 3 out, ridden out, won at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in May beating The Black Squirrel (11-4) by 4 1/2l, 9 ran.
The Black Squirrel (IRE) 13-2 (11-4) Led until 4th, went 2nd after 3 out, kept on from 2 out but no impression on winner flat, 2nd of 9, 4 1/2l behind Flo'sboy Sam (11-0) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in May.
Salix (FR) 4-1fav (11-3) Held up towards rear, headway on outside 7th, challenged after 3 out, led 2 out, clear flat, ran on well, won at Huntingdon 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in May beating Brave Helios (11-2) by 9l, 13 ran.
