in rear, headway 12th, went 2nd approaching 2 out, ridden to lead approaching last, kept on well
held up, behind from 12th
held up in touch, headway to go prominent 13th, no impression from 2 out
chased leaders, led 4 out, ridden and blundered 2 out, headed and hit last, hung left and no extra flat
with leader, led 10th, headed 4 out, soon weakened
led to 10th, one pace from 2 out
held up, headway 13th, weakened 2 out
The punters are likely to give a fair clue as to the chances of the Hunters' and we side with Go For Bust to take the scalps of No Retreat and Border Fusion. The selection was well touted ahead of a recent Ludlow event but was pulled up sharply as something was apparently amiss. The fact that he turns out here suggests that it can't have been anything serious and he is likely to appreciate this small turnout. No Retreat is an unmitigated plodder. The 14-year-old has made an unfortunate habit of finding one too good but in his defence, he is able to stay and jump. Border Fusion is not without his quirks but he consented to win cosily at Heslaker on his latest start between the flags. He should confirm form with Ricky B. Honest Yer Honour and General Gossip have shown form in the past but need to improve on their most recent starts. Stormy Sunrise looks outclassed. Go For Bust is not without his detractions but looks the most feasible option under the circumstances.
Border Fusion 6-4fav (12-5) Hrd held last to 14; cl up 3 out; led app last; easy, won at Heslaker 3m ptp gd beating Queenies Girl (11-12) by 5l, 6 ran.
General Gossip (IRE) 9-1 (12-7) Lost tch qckly aft 3 out; t.o, 5th of 6, well behind Ricky B (12-0) at Whittington 3m ptp gf in Apr.
Go For Bust 8-13fav (11-12) Held up, mistake 6th and rider lost iron briefly, closer order approaching 10th and pulled up at the 12th in race won by Super Nomad (11-5) at Ludlow 2m 4f hts chs (5) gf in Apr, 8 ran.
Honest Yer Honour (IRE) 9-4 (12-7) Held up; qcknd to ld 14; sn clr; easy, won at Eyton-On-severn 3m ptp gd beating Merry Path (12-7) by 25l, 6 ran.
No Retreat (NZ) 4-1 (12-0) Led, headed 4th, then again after 17th, headed 20th, ridden and switched right 4 out, weakened 2 out, 2nd of 9, 14l behind Gallik Dawn (11-9) at Cheltenham 4m 1f hts chs (4) gd.
Ricky B 5-2 (12-5) Led 4 til hdd aft mist 2 out; wknd app last, 4th of 6, 11l behind Border Fusion (12-5) at Heslaker 3m ptp gd.
Stormy Sunrise (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Bhnd til hdwy 12; outpcd 16, 5th of 8, 23l behind Little Brown Bear (11-7) at Tabley 3m ptp gd in Apr.
