behind, struggling when hung left from 3 out, never dangerous
held up well off the pace, shaken up after 4 out, headway approaching 2 out, went 2nd approaching last, no chance with winner
niggled along 8th, always behind
chased leader until after 8th, weakened 4 out
held up in 4th, closed 7th, led 3 out, drew clear from 2 out, unchallenged after
led, hit and headed 4 out, 3rd and weakening when mistake 2 out, eased approaching last
chased leaders, led 4 out, headed 3 out, no chance with winner from 2 out, weakened and lost 2nd approaching last
A competitive heat here where Ormello can take advantage of favourable conditions to add to his Perth success, while Nesnaas, Water Taxi and My Condor all have claims. Lucinda Russell-trained Ormello was a ready winner over this trip at the Scottish venue, and has to contend with an 8lb rise and top weight. However, the style of that success suggested that there is a fair bit more to come on a sound surface so he looks capable of following up. Nesnaas bolted up at Wincanton in April and was never really threatened again at the same track last time. A 10lb rise for that latter win, plus a more competitive race, makes this more difficult but he is clearly respected. Water Taxi is a regular in these northern two mile chases and the fact that he holds his form well is a credit to Ferdy Murphy. However, he struggles to win and will probably find a couple too good. Wherever he is then Tom's Toybox won't be far away, based on their Kelso running, while My Condor - who has gone well when fresh - may be good enough to beat them both home. Ormello caught the eye with the manner of his Perth win, however, and he can follow up.
Ormello (FR) 4-1jt-fav (11-12) Held up in rear, smooth headway 4 out, went 2nd 2 out, shaken up to lead flat, comfortably, won at Perth 2m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in May beating Tom's Toybox (10-10) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Water Taxi 11-4 (11-12) Held up, headway 4 out, ridden last, kept on flat, just held, 2nd of 4, hd behind Tom's Toybox (10-11) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in May.
Nesnaas (USA) Evensfav (11-12) Mid-division, headway 5th, left 2nd 6th, chased leader 4 out, led approaching 3 out, jumped left final 3, pushed out, readily, won at Wincanton 2m nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in May beating Musical Gift (10-11) by 4l, 8 ran.
Colliers Court 3-1 (11-9) Led and jumped right throughout, ridden after 6th, headed 3 out, no chance after, 4th of 5, 23l behind Blandings Castle (10-3) at N Abbot 2m hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft.
Tom's Toybox 7-2 (10-13) Close up, 2nd when slipped up at the 6th in race won by Manhattan Boy (11-12) at Perth 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf, 8 ran.
My Condor (IRE) 25-1 (11-6) With leader, blundered 2nd, led narrowly 4th, headed after next, weakened before 5 out and pulled up 4 out in race won by Leslingtaylor (11-2) at Aintree 2m lst nov chs (1) gd in Oct, 6 ran.
Billyandi (IRE) 3-1fav (10-3) Held up, effort when hit 3 out, soon ridden and weakened, 9th of 12, 44l behind Coach Lane (11-11) at Perth 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Apr.
