chased winner, not fluent 7th, ridden approaching last, one pace, no impression
chased winner, hit 6th, pushed along and weakened approaching 3 out
made all, clear approaching 3 out, readily
Mephisto can gain compensation here at the expense of Celtic Son and Bagan. Mephisto was backed as if defeat was out of the question on his most recent start at Aintree. He reportedly swallowed his tongue on that occasion and while the Merseyside backers might have been crying into their John Smith's bitter, this classy flat performer should not be written off and he duly secures our verdict. Bagan had an interrupted prep en route to Cheltenham. That said, the former Henry Cecil horse was arguably exposed for as good as he is on the day. Connections will be hoping that the rain stays away. Celtic Son was another to leave Aintree as an "unlucky loser" during the Grand National meeting. He would arguably have won the three miler at Aintree on Friday had he not made such a demolition job of the last flight of hurdles. It would be far from out of the question that he could improve again having already defied the handicapper on numerous occasions thus far. Ladalko was a very classy performer in France who is not without the odd quirk or two. His second to Brewster at Newbury would be the best form in the book and should entitle him to our recommendation. He does not always consent to put his best foot forward in a finish and those who have followed him over hurdles and over an abortive fencing campaign probably know that more than most. Love That Benny is still a maiden after five starts. He would be significantly better off if this were a handicap but connections have every right to chase the plentiful prize money given the appallingly low turnout from more illustrious yards. Mephisto looks very much one to keep on the right side off and he can repay some of the lofty price tag that he attained at the sales.
Bagan (FR) 16-1 Mid-division, lost place after 6th, soon behind, 17th of 20, 39l behind No Refuge at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl Grd 1 (A) gd in Mar.
Celtic Son (FR) 2-1fav Held up, smooth headway to track leaders approaching 9th, every chance when blundered last, one pace, 2nd of 22, 9l behind Holland Park at Aintree 3m lst hcp hdl (A) gd.
Mephisto (IRE) 5-6fav Took keen hold in touch, hit 7th, led 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, no extra and lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Turpin Green at Aintree 2m 4f nov hdl Grd 2 (A) gs.
Ladalko (FR) 4-7fav Tracked leaders, chased winner after 3 out, ridden to challenge next, every chance flat, always held, 2nd of 9, nk behind Forager at Kempton 2m 5f nov hdl (C) sft in Feb.
Love That Benny (USA) 7-4 Held up in touch, ridden after 3 out, chased winner approaching 2 out, one pace and no impression, 2nd of 13, 10l behind Dancing Rock at Wetherby 2m 4f mdn hdl (F) gs in Mar.
