raced keenly, with winner 2f, remained prominent, chased winner again 3f out, soon hung right, no impression 1f out, stayed on same pace
mid-division, pushed along 6f out, soon dropped rear, behind final 4f
held up towards rear, head run outside 8f out, pushed along over 4f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, pushed along over 3f out, soon ridden and weakened
made all, clear 1f out, ran on well
took keen hold, prominent, paced winner after 2f, lost 2nd 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up towards rear, pushed along over 5f out, no impression, weakened 3f out
held up towards rear, headway on inside 4f out, soon hung left, weakened over 2f out
held up in rear, headway 7f out, chasing leaders and pushed along over 5f out, driven 3f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, lost place over 5f out, weakened over 3f out
raced keenly, held up towards rear, effort 2f out, no impression, weakened over 1f out
held up towards rear, headway over 5f out went 3rd over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
EXPRESS LEADER created a sizeable impression at Wincanton and can add his name to a roll of honour that includes Best Mate, Cork All Star, Rhinestone Cowboy and Back In Front to name but four of the last ten winners; win, lose or draw make a note of the winner's name. Gus Macrae could emerge as one of the biggest dangers with McMurrough also well worth a place on the short-list. The selection made his debut just over a week ago in a bumper where one of Nicky Henderson's was sent off a well backed favourite. Regardless of whether the jolly ran to form or not it's doubtful that he'd have been able to hold a candle to the winner who did it as he liked. We'll find out what that form is worth this afternoon. Gus Macrae carried a big reputation to the track with him but was weak in the on-course market and only stayed on at the one pace to finish third. He gave the impression that he was one to keep on the ride side of and should be helped by Seamie Heffernan taking over from an amateur in the saddle. There are a number of talented runners amongst the opposition but Malcolm Jefferson knows what's required to win a bumper here and it's interesting that he travels south with McMurrough. He was still a touch green when winning last time and is a promising individual who should give a good account but we'll take Express Leader to lead them home.
Express Leader 2-1 (11-4) Prominent, led on bit over 2f out, shaken up over 1f out, soon clear, easily, won at Wincanton 2m nhf (5) sft beating Sergeant Harper (11-4) by 7l, 12 ran.
Last One Standing 13-2 (11-6) Led, headed over 4f out, outpaced 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 2 1/2l behind The Panama Kid (10-11) at Southwell 2m nhf (6) gd in Oct.
McMurrough (IRE) 7-2 (11-7) Held up mid-division, steady headway 5f out, led inside final furlong, kept on, won at Kelso 2m nhf (6) gd in Oct beating Sitting Tennant (11-0) by 3/4l, 13 ran.
Pontop (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, never dangerous, 6th of 13, 19l behind Cloudy Times (11-4) at Aintree 2m 1f nhf (4) sft in Oct.
Shinrock Paddy (IRE) 12-1 (11-5) Led, headed after 6f, remained prominent, challenged straight, led well over 1f out, soon drifted left when strongly pressed, kept on well, won at Gowran Park 2m nhf gs in Oct beating Gallant Light (11-5) by 3/4l, 20 ran.
The Big Orse 6-4fav (11-8) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 14, 12l behind Mad Max (11-4) at Newbury 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Iveagh House (IRE) 7-1 (11-1) Mid-division, progress into 6th 4f out, ridden in 2nd 2 1/2f out, kept on same pace without threatening winner final furlong, 2nd of 17, 3/4l behind Bodalboy (11-11) at Killarney 2m 1f nhf gd in May.
Rock Salmon 66-1 (11-2) Held up, headway 3f out, soon ridden, stayed on, no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 10l behind The Big Orse (10-13) at Newbury 2m nhf (5) sft in Dec.
Song Sung Blue (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, every chance soon after, hung left inside final furlong and weakened, 2nd of 15, 4l behind Tataniano (11-0) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) gd in Oct.
Dizzy Whizz 14-1 (10-7) With leaders, pushed along and slightly outpaced over 3f out, rallied 2f out, green, wandered and led inside final furlong, driven out, won at Plumpton 2m 2f mdn nhf (6) gf in Oct beating Ruby Isabel (10-7) by 2l, 11 ran.
Lindeman (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, soon hung left, ran on well to lead inside final furlong, ridden out, won at Cheltenham 2m 1f mrs nhf (4) gd in Apr beating Gold Reef (11-0) by 2 1/2l, 20 ran.
Madame Mado (FR) 9-4fav (10-12) Held up in touch, went 2nd over 2f out, led over 1f out, quickened clear inside final furlong, won at Warwick 2m mrs nhf (5) gs beating Santia (11-5) by 5l, 20 ran.
Gus Macrae (IRE) 3-1fav (11-10) Mid-division, 8th 5f out, ridden along in moderate 5th when veered left 2f out, kept on well without threatening to go 3rd final furlong, eased close home, 3rd of 18, 4 1/2l behind Oligarch Society (11-6) at Gowran Park 2m nhf gs in Oc.
Quell The Storm (FR) Sleeping Car gelding out of Hot D'or.
