took keen hold, held up in touch, ridden to chase winner well over 1f out, stayed on
mid-division, headway after 3f, led after 6f, made rest, ridden over 1f out, ran on
took keen hold, held up towards rear, headway 4f out, ridden and switched right over 2f out, edged left from over 1f out, stayed on
held up rear, steady headway 6f out, ridden 3f out, soon edged left, beaten over 1f out
always towards rear
held up in rear, pushed along over 7f out, stayed on inside final 2f, nearest finish
chased leader 7f, remained handy, weakened 2f out
held up in touch chased winner after 7f weakened and wandered over 1f out
in rear, keen early, lost touch final 5f, tailed off
in touch, not much room over 5f out, soon ridden, weakened well over 1f out
mid-division, headway after 6f, pushed along and weakened 2f out
took keen hold in mid-division, behind final 6f, tailed off
led 6f, weakened over 5f out, tailed off
held up in rear, keen hold, ridden when hung left over 2f out, never in contention
held up in rear, ridden over 3f out, stayed on final 2f never nearer
Alert The Media is our suggestion in the finale with Great Mates, Knockara Bay and Karabak other likely contenders. The selection is trained by Carl Llewellyn who has enjoyed plenty of success in this sphere. His stout pedigree suggests that he may need a stiffer test and more time to be seen to his best effect but he has gone to the trouble of booking McCoy who is three from thirteen for the yard. Great Mates runs in the famous Jim Lewis colours and it would be no surprise were this portentously named individual, who is by the way a half-brother to Racing Demon, were to prove a cut above average. The Hollinwell has ability but still has plenty to learn about the game and was quirky on his first two starts whereas the other leading form candidates, Karabak and Knockara Bay, have both looked professional. The former may need a stiffer test than this and the latter could be underrated due to his unfashionable connections but we're happy to take a chance with Alert The Media.
Karabak (FR) 9-4fav (11-1) Held up in touch, led over 1f out, driven out, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (6) gd in Apr beating Alderley Rover (10-8) by 3l, 12 ran.
Knockara Beau (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Mid-division, chased leaders over 4f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 15, 6l behind Conflictofinterest (11-2) at Ayr 2m nhf (3) gd in Apr.
Son Of Flicka 14-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, ran on well to lead final 75 yards, ridden out, won at Newbury 1m 4f 4yo nhf (5) sft in Mar beating Simply Blue (10-12) by 3 1/2l, 17 ran.
Long Hop (IRE) 9-1 (11-1) Mid-division, headway over 7f out, outpaced final 3f, 4th of 16, 17l behind Blencathra Bay (11-4) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gs in Dec.
Nishnash 100-1 (10-10) Held up, behind final 4f, 9th of 15, 44l behind Time For Rupert (10-12) at Ludlow 2m nhf (5) gd in Apr.
Seraphim Knight (IRE) 33-1 (11-3) Always behind, 8th of 14, 46l behind Diamond Harry (11-7) at Newbury 2m nhf (2) sft in Mar.
The Hollinwell 4-1 (11-4) Held up, headway 4f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace, 3rd of 19, 9l behind Kaskader (10-10) at Carlisle 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in Mar.
Thirtythreeblack (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) In rear, pushed along 9f out, never dangerous, 8th of 12, 31l behind Voice of Reason (11-9) at Warwick 2m nhf lst (1) hvy in Jan.
Great Mates (IRE) Bob's Return gelding, half-brother to high-class chaser Racing Demon.
Mr Burton 100-1 (10-12) Always behind, virtually pulled up final 2f, 15th of 17, well behind Son of Flicka (10-7) at Newbury 1m 4f 4yo nhf (5) sft in Mar.
Our Ashley King's Theatre gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Sheeian Rock (IRE) Heron Island gelding out of unraced Kitty Martin.
Simhal Minster Son gelding out of an unraced mare.
Tek A Deek 22-1 (10-11) Mid-division, ridden and weakened 4f out, 8th of 10, well behind Copper Sound (10-4) at Hexham 2m nhf (6) hvy in Apr.
Tom O'Tara Kayf Tara gelding out of an unraced mare.
Aint She The Lady (IRE) 33-1 (10-8) Held up, pushed along over 5f out, stayed on inside final 2f, never near leaders, 4th of 16, 11l behind Mewstone (10-9) at Uttoxeter 2m mrs nhf (6) sft in Apr.
Alert The Media (IRE) Oscar gelding out of an unraced mare.