mid-division, ridden 3f out, never able to challenge
mid-division, headway on outside over 6f out, weakened 3f out
mid-division, pushed along over 6f out, ridden 3f out, kept on under pressure final 2f, never troubled leaders
soon pushed along in rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on, never nearer
behind, headway 6f out, ridden to lead narrowly over 1f out, hung left and headed inside final furlong, kept on
mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to lead narrowly inside final furlong, just held on
led, headed over 4f out, soon lost place, weakened 2f out
never better than mid-division
tracked leaders, led over 4f out, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, rallied inside final furlong, just held
driven to chase leaders, ridden and effort over 2f out, kept on same pace, no impression
chased leader to over 4f out, soon weakened
always behind
behind from halfway, tailed off when eased 3f out
chased leaders, driven and lost place over 4f out, soon weakened, tailed off
Nonrunner
Florentino may prove to be the safest option here with Signalman and Balakar others that may be able to take a hand in the finish. Florentino is a full sister to Flossy who did so well for the same connections over the years and that does raise a slight concern as her illustrious sibling found her stamina stretched at this trip. However, the selection has already won a heavy ground novice hurdle and didn't appear to be stopping over two miles one at Carlisle on what was just her fourth start on the level. Balakar beat Kristiansand by two and a half lengths over an extended two miles one here last September on soft ground; he's a pound lower once his rider's claim has been taken into account but it's a concern that he hasn't been in great form over hurdles of late. Signalman clearly relishes getting his toe in and should stay this far although he still has to prove it conclusively. The handicapper didn't get carried away with his win here last month and he's short-list material but the vote goes the way of Florentino.
Shankly Bond (IRE) 16-1 (8-6) Soon mid-division, headway 6f out, ridden 3f out, not much room over 1f out, soon weakened, last of 11, 9l behind Gentleman's Deal (9-5) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan '06.
Toshi (USA) 6-1 (8-11) Held up mid-division, one pace from over 1f out, 5th of 7, 3l behind King of Rhythm (9-0) at Ayr 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Balakar (IRE) 11-2 (8-9) Tracked leaders, lost place before halfway, headway over 5f out, led over 2f out, hung left, driven out, won at Ayr 2m 1f hcap (5) sft in Sept beating Kristiansand (8-4) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
Trance (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Dwelt, took closer order halfway, driven and outpaced 4f out, soon ridden, stayed on under pressure from over 1f out, never troubled leaders, 3rd of 7, 4l behind Bouggler (8-4) at Newcastle 2m hcp 0-70 (5) sft.
Sir Sandicliffe (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Towards rear, reminders early, ridden and kept on from over 3f out, 3rd of 13, 8l behind Dimashq (9-11) at Musselburgh 1m 5f amt hcp (6) gf in Jul.
Spring Charm (IRE) 16-1 (8-13) Soon tracked leader in 2nd, ridden to challenge and on terms from under 2f out, headed and kept on same pace well inside final furlong, 3rd of 13, 3/4l behind Ptolomeos (8-11) at Roscommon 1m 2f mdn stk hvy in Jul.
Forrest Flyer (IRE) 15-8fav (8-10) Tracked leader until weakened 2f out, last of 8, 13l behind Signalman (8-2) at Ayr 1m 5f hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Jul.
Hawksbury Heights 10-1 (9-10) Mid-division, pushed along halfway, weakened approaching straight, eased final furlong, last of 13, 22l behind Galistic (8-11) at Leopardstown 1m 2f hcp 0-70 gf in Jul '06.
Signalman 5-2fav (10-10) Tracked leaders, ridden over 4f out, gradually weakened over 4f out, 6th of 13, 11l behind Dimashq (9-11) at Musselburgh 1m 5f amt hcp (6) gf in Jul.
Rocknest Island (IRE) 18-1 (8-8) Never better than mid-division, 8th of 15, 12l behind Let It Be (8-7) at Redcar 1m 6f app hcp (5) gf in Jul.
Muncaster Castle (IRE) 5-1 (8-8) Led, ridden over 3f out, headed over 2f out, gradually weakened, 3rd of 7, 4l behind Chookie Hamilton (8-13) at Musselburgh 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jun.
Florentino 33-1 (8-1) Towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, headway and effort over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 14, 3l behind Mister Pete (8-1) at Carlisle 2m 1f mdn hcp (6) gd in Jul.
Monet's Lady (IRE) 20-1 (8-3) Prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 11th of 12, 41l behind Master Nimbus (8-12) at Pontefract 1m 4f hcap (5) gf in Jul.
Bramantino (IRE) 50-1 (8-3) Mid-division until weakened over 2f out, 11th of 14, 17l behind Bijou Dan (8-12) at Ayr 1m 5f hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Jul.
Kristiansand 10-1 (8-13) Mid-division, effort 3f out, never reached challenging position, 6th of 12, 13l behind Sendali (8-6) at Newcastle 2m hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Jun.
Marieschi (USA) 20-1 (9-2) Led, driven over 3f out, headed 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 8, 10l behind Dan Tucker (10-0) at Catterick 1m 4f app hcp (6) gf in Jul.
Rightful Ruler 33-1 (8-2) Prominent, ridden along over 4f out, soon behind, 10th of 12, well behind Inchpast (9-6) at W'hampton 2m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
