led, mistake 4th, hit 5, ridden when headed after 2 out, weakened last
held up mid-division, headway 6th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened after 2 out
held up towards rear, steady headway after 6th, ridden 3 out, led after 2 out, ran on well, very game
mid-division, mistake 5th, ridden, weakened 3 out
tracked leaders throughout, ridden to chase leaders after 3 out, switched right approaching 2 out, every chance last, just held
mid-division, lost place approaching 4th, closer order 6th, ridden from 3 out, weakened
always towards rear, jumped left 6th, ridden, slow jump 3 out, weakened 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out
tracked leaders, driven 3 out, switched left, mistake 2 out, soon weakened
in touch, weakened 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders, weakened 7th, pulled up before 2 out
Oscatello is taken to land the opener at the expense of Boychuk, Turko, Sea The Light and Aztec Warrior. Oscatello has been most progressive since going hurdling, having won three of his last four starts, and having bypassed both Festivals, here and Aintree, he lines up fresher than most. The Ian Williams-trained gelding battled his way to victory at Market Rasen in March despite encountering very heavy conditions, and today's faster ground will be more amenable. Boychuk gave the impression at Aintree when fourth to Natal that the season was starting to take its toll, and he has to carry 11st 8lb, but Turko will appreciate the return to this more demanding track and also the step up in trip. Connections cannot wait to go chasing with this fellow, so bear that in mind for next season. Sea The Light has potential but might need the run, and Aztec Warrior looks one to follow when going chasing as well, being related to Fifty Dollars More. On this occasion though the one to be on is Oscatello.
Boychuk (IRE) 7-1 (11-8) Behind, stayed approaching last, never dangerous, 4th of 11, 30l behind Natal (11-3) at Aintree 2m 4f nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gd.
Aztec Warrior (IRE) 11-2 (11-2) Hit 1st, settled in touch, effort 2 out, challenged last, hard ridden to lead early run-in, stayed on well, won at Sandown 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Mar beating Menchikov (11-7) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
Oscatello (USA) 1-3fav (11-4) Tracked leaders, left 2nd at 4th, ridden after 3 out, led flat, driven out, won at Market Rasen 2m 3f cnd nov hdl (4) hvy in Mar beating Campaign Charlie (10-12) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Sea The Light 9-4fav (11-7) Took keen hold, settled in touch, mistake, ridden 9th, weakened 3 out, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Alright Now M'Lad (11-9) at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Feb, 12 ran.
Turko (FR) 7-1 (11-0) In rear, driven along after 3rd, stayed on from 2 out, never dangerous, 5th of 13, 20l behind Detroit City (11-0) at Aintree 2m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) gd.
Art Virginia (FR) 10-1 (11-0) Prominent, lost place 7th, soon behind and pulled up 2 out in race won by Gungadu (11-5) at Wincanton 2m 6f nh nov hdl (2) gd in Feb, 7 ran.
Easter Present (IRE) 33-1 (10-7) Mid-division until weakened and behind from 6th, 11th of 17, 32l behind Killaghy Castle (11-7) at Sandown 2m 4f nov hcp hdl Grd 3 (1) sft in Mar.
Mahogany Blaze (FR) 20-1 (10-0) Behind when unseated rider at the 2nd in race won by Strangely Brown (11-0) at Aintree 2m 4f lst hcp hdl (1) gs, 24 ran.
