tracked leaders, chased leaders after 3 out, held soon after last
held up, mistake 4th, weakened 6th, pulled up before 2 out
patiently ridden in rear, ridden 3 out, stayed on approaching 2 out, to lead last, kept on
led, ridden and mistake 2 out, headed and soon weakened
in touch, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, mistake 2 out, one pace
held up, jumped left 3rd, not fluent 5th, ridden approaching 2 out, no impression
tracked leader and jumped left throughout, chased leader approaching 2 out, weakening when mistake last
in rear and keen, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
An interesting and valuable novices' contest where short list material includes Hawridge Star, Rustler and Bustan, and the vote goes to Rustler. Nicky Henderson's gelding failed to live up to Grade 2 company on soft ground when making his debut at Sandown in February, but this is nothing like as competitive. A fast ground flat winner at Bath in the past, conditions look ideal for him, and his brilliant handler will have him tuned up for this. Hawridge Star was a winner, albeit in ordinary company, at Chepstow last time and he can again go well. However, even though this isn't as tough as it might be, he will have to show a fair amount of progress to follow up. Of the others, nothing really makes appeal except Bustan, who would eat this lot for breakfast on the flat. He acts on fast ground, but it has been a long time since he had the winning habit. He can improve for this debut, but we prefer Rustler to take the prize.
Hawridge Star (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Held up mid-division, headway to track leaders after 4th, left in lead 2 out, ran on, won at Chepstow 2m mdn hdl (5) gs beating Shannon Springs (11-0) by 6l, 10 ran.
Bustan (IRE) 25-1 (8-10) In touch, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 4th of 5, 8l behind With Interest (8-8) at Nottingham 1m stk (2) sft (Flat).
Court Ruler 33-1 (10-12) Chased leader, blundered badly and lost place 1st, ridden and weakened 3 out, jumped right last, stumbled and fell in race won by Hawridge King (10-12) at Taunton 2m 3f nov hdl (3) gd in Oct, 11 ran.
Must Be Keen 66-1 (11-0) Led, jumped left and unseated rider in race won by Roll Along (11-5) at Uttoxeter 2m nov hdl (2) gs, 7 ran.
Prime Number (IRE) 10-1 (10-0) Held up in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 7, 5l behind Zaafran (8-11) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Aug (Flat).
Rustler 7-1 (10-12) Held up, hit 5th, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Kasbah Bliss (11-5) at Sandown 2m juv nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Feb, 8 ran.
Todlea (IRE) 9-2 (9-1) Prominent, ridden and every chance well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 13, 8l behind Panic Stations (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol (Flat).
Zinging 33-1 (10-3) Held up, headway after 5th, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 9, well behind Hawadeth (10-3) at Fontwell 2m 2f clm hdl (5) gd.
Brookby (NZ) 16-1 (10-12) Behind, weakened 3 out, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Nobelix (10-12) at Kempton 2m nov hdl (4) gd, 13 ran.
