led, headed briefly after 4th, made rest, ridden before last, kept on
with winner, led briefly after 4th, weakened after 4 out
held up in rear, reminders after 4th, never dangerous
held up towards rear, mistake 5th, weakened before 4 out
towards rear, mistake 3rd, blundered 6th, went 4th from 3 out, no impression
close up, lost place after 3rd, soon behind, tailed off from 5th
held up in touch, tracked leaders before 6th, went 3rd before 3 out, soon ridden, kept on from last
held up mid-division, headway 4 out, chased winner 3 out, chance last, kep ton and held towards finish
It will be a surprise if SUR LA MER is not a major factor in this opener. He has his first start for Dan Skelton but had some decent form to his name in maiden events in Ireland earlier in the year and isn't overtaxed here. Dr Dalwhinny has already been placed twice over course and distance but disappointed at Cartmel last time while A Tail Of Intrigue has become expensive to follow, though still makes more appeal than Larteta who is better over further.
A Tail Of Intrigue (IRE) 18-1 (11-0) Tracking leaders 1st, led before 3 out, headed 2 out, one pace flat, 4th of 11, 9l behind Sweet Deal (10-11) at Aintree 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gd.
Barton Antix 16-1 (11-2) Held up mid-division, outpaced over 5f out, never dangerous, 7th of 8, 36l behind Kingussie (11-2) at Stratford 2m NH flat (5) gd in May.
Closest Friend 14-1 (11-3) Held up in touch, closed 3f out, ridden and pressing winner over 1f out, held inside final furlong, kept on well towards finish, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Run On Sterling (11-3) at Huntingdon 2m NH flat (6) gd in Apr.
Cottenwood (IRE) 9-1 (10-11) Took keen hold, held up in 4th, went 2nd when hung right and wide entering straight, effort over 3f out to over 2f out, no chance with front pair from over 1f out, 3rd of 5, 10l behind Clan Chief (10-11) at Ayr 2m cond NH flat (6) hvy in Feb.
Dr Dalwhinny 7-2 (10-12) Tracked leader, led 3 out, headed 2 out, weakened last, 6th of 9, 31l behind Smart Ruler (11-0) at Cartmel 2m 1f mdn hdl (5) gf in Jul.
Larks Wing (IRE) 200-1 (10-12) Soon well behind, tailed off 4th, pulled up after 7th, in a race won by Shubaat (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gd, 9 ran.
Larteta (FR) 5-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders on inside, ridden and close up before 3 out, no impression 2 out, 3rd of 6, 13l behind Elmore Back (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gs in May.
Sur La Mer (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Soon tracked leaders, hampered 2nd, 6th before straight, no impression 2 out, kept on, 5th of 22, 7l behind Time For A Pint (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m mdn hdl gf in May.
