always towards rear, weakened halfway
held up and keen, good headway halfway, outpaced over 4f out, stayed on to chase winner entering final furlong, no impression
held up mid-division, led 3f out, clear from over 1f out
chased leaders to halfway, soon outpaced
held up and keen, headway over 8f out, weakened over 5f out
soon chasing leaders, lost place halfway
tracked leaders to halfway
held up in touch, led 4f out, headed 3f out, kept on same pace
close up, led after 4f, headed 4f out, one pace
held up towards rear, never dangerous
held up, headway over 6f, challenged over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, weakened over 3f out
Youngstown sets the standard on form and therefore gets the vote but it can only be a hopeful one with a number of likely looking newcomers in opposition; Katapult and Anay Car two to note in particular. Youngstown stayed on well to finish second at Haydock in what appeared to be a decent contest. There's a concern as to whether this sharper venue will suit as well but the conditions should help to make this a thorough test. Katapult must be feared given his trainer's formidable record in bumpers whilst Anay Car also looks the part on paper. The market should guide to their chances with Mamba also well worth a second look; of the remainder to have raced, Massapoag is the clear pick. He improved on his debut last time and could take another step forwards on ground that should suit but Youngstown is taken to lead them home.
Baileys Surprise (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Held up, always towards rear, 9th of 15, 37l behind Corkage (11-2) at Doncaster 2m nhf (5) gf in Dec.
Jamestown Bay (IRE) 10-1 (11-7) 13th of 19, 46l behind Caramia (11-7) at Down Royal 2m nhf gs in Mar.
Katapult (GER) Dashing Blade gelding, half-brother to numerous winners up to 1m4f and over hurdles.
Massapoag (IRE) 9-1 (10-11) Held up, ridden over 4f out, stayed on final 2f, 3rd of 15, 10l behind Le Platino (10-11) at Catterick 2m nhf (5) gf in Dec.
Rhine Rewler 33-1 (11-1) Mid-division, headway and in touch halfway, weakened 3f out, 11th of 13, 35l behind Kingsben (11-4) at Catterick 2m nhf (5) gd in Dec.
Solway Gunner 66-1 (10-7) Always behind, tailed off halfway, last of 19, well behind Charity Lane (10-4) at Haydock 2m nhf (6) sft in Dec.
Solway Hammy Oscar gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Sound of Silver 80-1 (10-9) Always behind, last of 12, 40l behind All For The Cause (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nhf (6) gf in May.
Wee George Alflora gelding out of winning jumper Cherry Dee.
Youngstown (IRE) 20-1 (10-7) Held up, headway 6f out, one pace, 2nd of 19, 2 1/2l behind Charity Lane (10-4) at Haydock 2m nhf (6) sft in Dec.
Mamba (GER) Tannenkonig filly, sister to 1m4f winner Mungo Jerry, half-sister to flat and hurdles winner Mr President.
Political Element 66-1 (10-5) Eased towards rear, never dangerous, 10th of 13, 40l behind It's A Discovery (10-12) at Hexham 2m mrs nhf (5) gf in Nov.
Silver Alidante 66-1 (10-4) Always behind, tailed off 6f out, 13th of 14, well behind One Rose (10-7) at Sedgefield 2m 1f mrs nhf (6) gf in Apr.
Anay Car (FR) Sleeping Car gelding out of middle-distance winner Anayette.
Spare Days Cloudings gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Sheriff's Falcon (IRE) Presenting mare out of a lightly-raced mare.
