chased leaders, outpaced approaching 2 out, not a danger after hit last
set fast pace and soon well clear, weakened quickly and headed after 3 out
mid-division, hit 3 out, outpaced when hampered 2 out, kept on same pace
mid-division, mistakes 4th and 3 out, weakened next
chased leaders until weakened after 3 out
raced freely early, steady progress in 2nd from 4th, led after 3 out, kept on well, ridden out
held up behind, some late progress, never troubled leaders
chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, kept on same pace from next
mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden in 5th when fell 2 out
mid-division, hit 3rd, headway 3 out, every chance when mistake 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
pulled hard in touch, restrained in rear after 3rd, headway after 3 out, stayed on under pressure to chase winner approaching last, no extra flat
Ofarel D'airy, placed on his only start on the flat in France, has to be of interest on his hurdling debut for Paul Nicholls but Aztec Warrior sets the standard and he gets the vote over Ladino. The last mentioned showed improved form from his debut spin for Philip Hobbs and has to be respected under ground conditions that should suit. Gary Moore could hardly have his team in better form so Royal Stardust cannot be discounted although he needs to improve on recent form to trouble the judge. It is difficult to know how much Wiggy Smith achieved when well held by Traprain at Taunton last month, while Magic Merlin looks a doubtful stayer and may be best watched. Moon Over Miami takes a drop in class having not surprisingly been well beaten by Straw Bear at Aintree last time but Charlie Mann's gelding may have to settle for a minor role behind Henrietta Knight's Sandown winner Aztec Warrior, who is taken to give weight away all round.
Aztec Warrior (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Mid-division, headway 6th, chased leaders 3 out, weakened after 2 out, 4th of 12, 14l behind Oscatello (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (2) gd in Apr.
Ladino (FR) 12-1 (11-0) In touch, headway to lead approaching 2 out, headed last, no extra, 2nd of 16, 3 1/2l behind Tech Eagle (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 2f mdn hdl (5) gd in Apr.
Magic Merlin 25-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden and effort to go 3rd 3 out, left in lead 2 out, headed soon after last, no extra flat, 2nd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Dreams Jewel (11-0) at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Moon Over Miami (GER) 66-1 (11-0) Held up, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened, 8th of 16, 31l behind Straw Bear (11-3) at Aintree 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gs in Apr.
Royal Stardust 40-1 (11-11) In touch, ridden after 3 out, challenged 2 out, kept on well from last, 2nd of 18, 2 1/2l behind Lorient Express (10-4) at Wincanton 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Apr.
Wiggy Smith 13-2 (11-2) Held up towards rear, headway 6th, every chance when mistake 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Traprain (10-5) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Zacatecas (GER) 25-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, headway after 7th, ridden to chase leading trio 4 out, kept on to take 3rd flat, 3rd of 10, 28l behind Buster Collins (11-0) at Plumpton 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gs in Apr.
Ofarel D'airy (FR) (9-9) 2nd of 14, 6l behind Osako D'airy (9-12) at Pau 1m 4f stk in Dec (Flat).
