prominent, weakened form 9th, pulled up before next
led to 4th, pushed along 7th, weakened 9th, pulled up before 2 out
behind from 7th, pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway 9th, weakening when blundered 2 out, pulled up before lst
prominent, led 4th, headed approaching 2 out, soon weakened
chased leaders, weakened 12th, pulled up before last
chased leaders, went 2nd 2 out, one pace
held up, headway 12th, weakened 2 out
in rear, headway 3 out, kept on from next
held up, headway to join leaders 9th, weakened approaching 2 out
always towards rear, pulled up before 10th
towards rear, headway 9th, mid-division when blunderd and unseated rider 12th
Plenty of feasible chances in this race and Incas is chanced at the likely odds with Lyon and Spring Lover appearing the obvious alternatives. Incas was always going to struggle over hurdles when tried at Perth last week but that race was run at a breakneck pace over a much shorter trip, so there can be cogent excuses. He should be much more at home over today's trip and going. The fact that Lucinda Russell makes a long trip from the Borders means that we will take the hint. Lyon looks to have improved significantly for the application of the blinkers. It remains to be seen as to how effective he will be over this trip. Spring Lover is an infrequent winner but seems to act on any surface. Beehawk was well backed ahead of a recent run over hurdles and should not be discounted if those backers return. Classic Rock is sure to be up there throughout whilst Silvergino ran his best race for some time at Ludlow and would be a factor if getting competitive. Sha Bihan is dropped in trip after facing stamina problems over further. A competitive enough race and Incas is taken to score.
Sha Bihan (FR) 9-4 (11-12) Soon chasing leaders, chased winner from 7th until approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 4, 21l behind Shannon's Pride (11-6) at Ayr 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Apr.
Spring Lover (FR) 15-8fav (11-6) Chased winner until approaching 12th, soon ridden, weakened next, 4th of 5, 23l behind Cool Roxy (11-9) at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Mar.
Incas (FR) 6-1 (11-12) In touch until weakened 2 out, 6th of 18, 17l behind Balakar (11-11) at Perth 2m hcp hdl (5) gd.
Osako D'airy (FR) 9-2 (11-9) In touch, went 2nd approaching 3 out, ridden next, kept on, no impression, 2nd of 7, 10l behind Honest Endeavour (10-8) at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in Apr.
Lyon 9-2 (10-12) Tracked leader, led 9th, hit 3 out, hung left from last, all out, just held on, won at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Apr beating Parish Oak (11-4) by a hd, 7 ran.
Sparkling Taff 9-2 (11-10) Soon chasing leader, led 5 out, ridden and headed 3 out, one pace from 2 out, 4th of 8, 12l behind Kids Inheritance (11-9) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
Silvergino (IRE) 9-2 (10-5) Held up and keen, headway 7th, ridden to chase leaders 4 out, chased winner from 2 out, one pace last, 2nd of 7, 6l behind Quirino (11-11) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Apr.
Classic Rock 7-2fav (11-1) Always prominent, led 5th, not fluent and rider lost whip 10th, headed and not quicken flat, 2nd of 13, 3/4l behind Snipe (9-13) at Worcester 2m 7f nov hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Apr.
