led, clear early, headed 5th, chased leader until after 3 out, went 2nd again last, no impression on winner
held up in last, raced keenly, effort 2 out, no impression, weakened before last
chased leaders, jumped right 3rd, pushed along after 4 out, went 2nd from 3 out, challenged 2 out, soon led and went clear, comfortably
playing up at start, chased leader, challenged 4th, led next, clear 4 out until after 3 out, headed just after 2 out, soon beaten, lost 2nd last
NonRunner
ASHOKA (NAP) beat a decent yardstick at Southwell last month and has an excellent record on this softer going. A 4lb rise may not be enough to prevent a follow-up. Capital Force gained a first success over fences at Ludlow last month, when well ahead of Theflyingportrait, and won on easy ground over hurdles in Ireland. He looks the danger as Empresario and Fago are hard to recommend on recent points form.
Theflyingportrait (IRE) 8-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders, under pressure 5 out, soon weakened, modest 3rd, 3rd of 7, 28l behind Capital Force (10-12) at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gd in May.
Capital Force (IRE) 5-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, headway 5 out, chased leaders next, led last, ran on well, won at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gd in May beating Valseur Du Granval (10-10) by 7l, 7 ran.
Ashoka (IRE) 11-4 (12-0) Held up in rear, tracked leaders 8th, close up in 3rd after 4 out, switched inside to challenge before last, led flat, ridden out, ran on, won at Southwell 2m hcp (3) gd in May beating Ballyvic Boru (11-12) by 2l, 5 ran.
Fago (FR) 4-6fav (12-4) (h) held up; hdwy 3 out; one pce, 4th of 8, 10 3/4l behind Abbeyview (12-4) at Hexham Points 2m 4f gd in May.
Empresario (IRE) 7-2 (11-11) Ww until sl prog in 4th aftr 3out, cl 5th well bef 2out, btn in 4th 2out, went 3rd cl hm, 3rd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Kruzhlinin (12-2) at Ballindenisk 3m gd in May.
