tracked leader, pushed along 4th, weakened approaching 2 out
held up towards rear, driven approaching 4th, never dangerous
prominent, led approaching 2 out, driven out
held up, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened
in rear, ridden 5th, soon weakened
held up mid-division, headway 3rd, weakened approaching 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace
led, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, ridden and kept on under pressure from last
in touch, weakened 3 out
held up in touch, ridden and some headway 5th, weakened approaching 2 out
The Hairy Lemon is nominated in the nightcap with Polly Whitefoot and Speed Venture put up as dangers. Alan King's charge has not visited the racecourse too often in recent months despite often appearing at the five-day declaration stage of various races. The market was particularly positive about his chances at Towcester and he did not disappoint. He has shown form on a softer surface so any overnight rain should not present too many problems. Polly Whitefoot was not given the most inspiring of rides on her last racecourse start but she can at least boast some reasonable form. A second to Rasharrow at Kelso in Novice company certainly is the best form around in this race. Speed Venture often wears cheekpieces but the combination of tongue strap and visor is kept from his most recent appearance at Bangor. He was given an enterprising ride last time so it will be interesting to see if similar tactics are employed again. Presenter put up his best performance under rules when third in a Chepstow race at 100/1. The time figure was understandably very slow. Tiger Frog appears to appreciate a better surface than that that he will encounter today. The Hairy Lemon has fewest negatives and is accordingly selected.
Reservoir (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Well behind from 3rd, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Cannon Fire (10-11) at Bangor 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gs in Jul, 11 ran.
Tiger Frog (USA) 33-1 (10-8) Held up and never dangerous, 11th of 15, 33l behind Down's Folly (10-6) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gf.
The Hairy Lemon 7-4fav (10-13) Prominent and keen, led approaching 2 out, ridden clear flat, won at Towcester 2m amt hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gd in Oct beating Deo Gratias (10-9) by 7l, 18 ran.
Presenter (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) Behind, mistake 3rd, stayed on from 2 out to be nearest at finish, 3rd of 11, 8l behind Coach Lane (10-11) at Chepstow 2m mdn hdl (E) hvy.
Sunley Future (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) With leader when ran out at the 2nd in race won by Jolly Boy (10-4) at Windsor 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gs, 8 ran.
La Marette 14-1 (10-13) Soon in rear, 8th of 12, 23l behind Nagano (10-13) at Warwick 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (E) sft.
Speed Venture 6-1 (11-0) Led 2nd, headed after 3 out, soon ridden, chance last, not quicken flat, 3rd of 11, 2l behind Gustavo (10-7) at Bangor 2m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (F) hvy.
Make My Hay 16-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, hit 5th, soon ridden, weakened after 3 out, 7th of 17, 21l behind Damarisco (10-11) at Exeter 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (E) gd in Apr.
Polly Whitefoot 9-1 (10-8) Held up towards rear, headway 4 out, effort next, left 3rd last, 3rd of 10, 17l behind The Names Bond (11-5) at Newcastle 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (E) hvy.
Pearson Glen (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Mid-division, ridden and mistake 3 out, kept on one pace, 6th of 11, 11l behind Gustavo (10-7) at Bangor 2m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (F) hvy.
