prominent until 2nd, chased leaders, left 2nd at the 4th but leader (winner) clear, even further behind from 12th, plugged on
led until 3rd, mistake and unseated rider next
prominent, led 3rd, left well clear next, even further clear 12th, not fluent 3 out, unchallenged
held up, left 3rd at the 4th but leader (winner) clear, even further behind 12th, never able to get past the 2nd
Black Corton has guaranteed fitness on his side after a fair third at Ascot but has to give 6lb to two staying chasers who generally operate at the highest level. NATIVE RIVER has finished ahead of Might Bite in all four previous meetings and there seems so reason why the Tizzard gelding should suffer defeat today, though he does sometimes need a run. Outlander isn’t getting any younger and his form is not on a par with the other three.
Black Corton (FR) 12-1 (11-12) Always prominent, pushed along and every chance approaching 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 16, 6 1/4l behind Vinndication (11-0) at Ascot 3m hcp (1) gs in Nov.
Might Bite (IRE) 14-1 (11-10) Prominent, led 2nd, not fluent and headed next, led 4th, headed 11th, led 15th, hit next and headed, bumped on last bend, weakened quickly and pulled up before 2 out, at Cheltenham 3m 2f (1) gs in Mar.
Native River (IRE) 6-1 (11-10) Slow away, headway to chase leaders 3rd, led 11th, headed 15th, led again 16th, headed before 2 out, stayed on but no impression on leaders flat, 4th of 16, 9 1/4l behind Al Boum Photo (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m 2f (1) gs in Mar.
Outlander (IRE) 66-1 (11-4) Towards rear, mistake 8th (canal turn), mistake 14th, headway 22nd, (2nd bechers), outpaced 3 out, never threatened leaders, 9th of 40, 31 1/4l behind Tiger Roll (11-5) at Aintree 4m 2f hcp (1) gs in Apr.