jumped left, made all, set good pace and clear from 3rd, 15 lengths ahead 4 out, heavily eased flat, unchallenged
chased winner, went left 2nd, dropped to 3rd next, jumped slowly 5th, mistake 7th, ridden and lost touch 9th, rallied to poor 2nd approaching 3 out, mistake next
took keen hold, tracked leading pair, went 2nd 3rd, no chance before 4 out, weakened to 3rd approaching and mistake 3 out
BALLABROOK certainly wasn't winning out of turn over fences when running away with a four-runner race at Towcester last month. Fast ground, first-time blinkers and a drop in distance seemed to spark some improvement that day and Donald McCain's charge can follow up here. Oscar Charlie was sent off favourite on his chase debut at Plumpton and, although last of three, must have been showing something at home. He could be the one for forecast-backers ahead of the more exposed Zhukov.
Ballabrook (IRE) 1-3fav (11-0) Made all, jumped left, clear from 3rd, unchallenged, won at Towcester 2m beg chase (4) gf in Apr beating Mr Johnson (11-0) by 31l, 4 ran.
Zhukov (IRE) 8-1 (9-10) Tracked leaders in 3rd, chased winner from 3rd until one pace before 2 out, 3rd of 4, 12l behind Health Is Wealth (11-6) at Plumpton 2m 1f 5yo nov hcp (4) gf in Apr.
Oscar Charlie (IRE) 5-4fav (11-7) Ran loose before start, always in rear, struggling from 8th, last of 3, 27l behind Wishes Or Watches (10-6) at Plumpton 2m 1f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gf in Apr.
