tracked leader, ridden 2 out, weakened flat
close up, slow and lost ground at 10th, behind next, pulled up 4 out
led, ridden and headed approaching last, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, not fluent 3 out, pushed along next, ridden and headway to lead approaching last, ran on
NonRunner
NonRunner
Last year’s winner Beauport and Monbeg Genius, third in the Ultima at Cheltenham in March, were both entered in the 3.45 Ascot yesterday. THUNDER ROCK, also a smart novice last season, could be the one to take advantage if that pair take up that engagement. He ended the last campaign with a second in a Grade 2 at Ayr and goes well fresh. Mahler Mission also placed in a Grade 2 last term but he is best over 3m. Bass Rock has a bit to prove in this company but Bill Baxter won the Topham over the National fences at Aintree in April and could have more to offer.
Bill Baxter (IRE) 20-1 (10-4) Chased leaders on inside, going well approaching 17th, ridden to dispute lead 18th, went on after elbow, stayed on well, driven out, won at Aintree 2m 5f hcp (1) sft in Apr beating Fantastic Lady (10-12) by 1 3/4l, 29 ran.
Bass Rock (FR) 6-1 (11-4) Held up rear of mid-division, hampered 3rd, behind 10th, mistake 12th, stayed on from 2 out, no impression on leaders but pressing for 4th when blundered and unseated rider last, at Ayr 2m 4f hcp (2) gs in Apr.
Mahler Mission (IRE) 13-2 (11-7) Prominent early, tracked leaders, went 2nd 12th, led after 16th, clear 3 out, pushed along and 5 lengths ahead when fell 2 out, at Cheltenham 3m 6f (1) sft in Mar.
Thunder Rock (IRE) 5-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 4th, led 8th, headed after next, not fluent 11th, challenged 13th, led 4 out, joined last, headed flat, no impression towards finish, 2nd of 6, 1 3/4l behind Datsalrightgino (11-2) at Ayr 2m 4f (1) gd in Apr.
Beauport (IRE) 9-2jfav (10-12) Held up in rear, fell 15th, at Aintree 3m 1f hcp (1) gs in Apr.
Monbeg Genius (IRE) 6-1jfav (10-13) In touch in mid-division, closed from 12th, led after 3 out, headed 2 out, every chance after last, 3rd and no impression final 50 yards, 3rd of 23, 2 1/4l behind Corach Rambler (11-5) at Cheltenham 3m 1f hcp (1) sft in Mar.
