led to 4th, soon lost place, tailed off when pulled up after 12th
in touch, weakened from 11th, pulled up before 4 out
in touch, led 5 out, clear from next
tracked leaders, weakened from 16th
in rear when fell 6th
chased leaders until weakened 5 out
tracked leader, led 4th, headed 16th, soon beaten
held up towards rear, effort approaching 13th, weakened from next, pulled up before 15th
in touch and jumped right throughout, weakened when blundered 13th, soon pulled up
in touch, led 16th to 17th, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, outpaced 5th, tailed off from 11th
soon struggling, reminders 4th, mistake 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 13th
It may be worth chancing a small stakes investment in Clemax, who makes appeal on these terms, to get the better of Mioche D'estruval, On Y Va and Dark Ben. The last named has been in good form and fully deserved to get his head in front when wining at Kelso last month. He has been left on the same mark and has been given a chance by the handicapper. Watch the betting where he is concerned. On Y Va is also holding his form well and, as his yard have done well with the limited numbers they have sent up to Ayr in recent times, the mount of Richard Johnson is very much respected. He has improved since being fitted with a tongue-tie and should again run his race. Mioche D'Estruval almost delivered for Tony McCoy last time and, with the partnership reunited, there is every reason to expect a bold bid. However, he has a stiff test under top weight and needs everything to go his way. Especially if Clemax can build on the form he has shown in his last few starts. The ground has turned in his favour and, off a very lenient mark, Clemax makes plenty of appeal in only his second outing in a handicap in this country.
Mioche d'Estruval (FR) 9-2 (11-2) With leader, led 10th, headed 12th, led 13th, headed last, stayed on, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind The Dark Lord (11-2) at Ludlow 3m nov chs (3) gf.
Imperial Dream (IRE) 33-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, outpaced after 9th, weakened approaching 11th, behind when pulled up at the 13th in race won by Undeniable (11-4) at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft, 11 ran.
Calvic (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Towards rear when fell at the 4th in race won by Hazeljack (9-10) at Fontwell 3m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft, 14 ran.
Dark Ben (FR) 3-1 (11-1) Led, headed 15th, led again 3 out, ridden, headed last, stayed on to regain lead towards finish, won at Kelso 3m 1f beg chs (4) gs in Mar beating Cool Dessa Blues (10-11) by 2l, 8 ran.
On Y Va (FR) 14-1 (11-4) Held up, ridden after 8th, no impression until stayed on from 3 out, 4th of 11, 13l behind Hever Road (10-2) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs.
Theatre Knight (IRE) 100-1 (11-11) Chased leaders until ridden and weakened 3 out, 6th of 22, 17l behind Hot Weld (11-11) at Cheltenham 4m 1f nov amt chs (2) gd in Mar.
Almire du Lia (FR) 20-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, led 11th, mistake 15th, headed approaching 3 out, weakened approaching last, 6th of 15, 40l behind Rosie Redman (11-9) at Kelso 3m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs.
Nykel (FR) 7-2fav (10-8) In touch, hit 10th, ridden 11th, weakened 14th, 5th of 15, 28l behind Umbrella Man (11-2) at Stratford 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Mar.
Celioso (IRE) 14-1 (11-8) Mistakes, mid-division, weakened from 11th and pulled up at the 13th in race won by Bang And Blame (10-5) at Market Rasen 3m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Mar, 11 ran.
Clemax (IRE) 5-1 (10-0) Held up towards rear, headway 3 out, stayed on from 2 out, chased winner flat, no impression, 2nd of 11, 6l behind Undeniable (11-4) at Carlisle 3m hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft.
D J Flippance (IRE) 14-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, reminders approaching 10th, lost place 13th, never dangerous, 4th of 11, well behind Bang And Blame (10-5) at Market Rasen 3m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Mar.
Parkinson (IRE) Evensfav (10-8) Held up, headway 7th, went 2nd 13th, led 2 out, clear flat, eased, won at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in Mar beating Wakeup Smiling (11-12) by 9l, 12 ran.
