prominent, weakened after 4th
in touch, weakening when hampered 3 out
held up mid-division, headway to track leaders after 4th, left in lead 2 out, ran on
led, joined when fell 3 out
held up towards rear, headway approaching 5th, jumped left and weakened 3 out
pulled way through to track leaders 2nd, lost place and weakened after 4th
in touch, ridden and weakened 3 out
held up towards rear, headway after 4th, ridden to chase winner 2 out, switched left approaching last, no impression
always in rear
prominent and keen, weakened approaching 5th
Hennessy can give in-form Carl Llewellyn another winner, with Shannon Springs and newcomer Major Faux Pas taken to give him most to do. Carl Llewellyn has made a dream start to his new career, and as he seems to have the knack of producing his charges fit at the first time of asking, Hennessy looks set to add to his tally. Trained by Mark Pitman last term with his current trainer on board twice, the stoutly-bred individual took part in the Aintree Champion Bumper, finishing ninth, and will be expected to progress into a decent novice hurdler by connections this term. There is nothing to be scared of here, and he should prove too good for Shannon Springs, despite the latter having the benefit of a run. Andy Turnell's charge shaped well enough when second at Exeter on what was his first outing since March, but the going today will present a stiff test of his stamina credentials. Major Faux Pas never tried more than 10 furlongs on the Flat, but had winning form and is with the right type of trainer, so merits a mention at least, but if Hennessy is anywhere near fit he should prove hard to beat.
Almavara (USA) 10-1 (10-12) Chased leader, ridden and lost place 6th, rallied approaching 2 out, kept on from last, 4th of 12, 10l behind Brads House (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f 4yo nov hdl (4) gd in May.
Almutasader 200-1 (11-0) Held up rear, some progress 6th, ridden 3rd out, one pace, 9th of 18, 38l behind Black Jack Ketchum (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (B) gs.
Hawridge Star (IRE) 11-1 (8-5) Towards rear, headway over 5f out, ridden over 3f out, edged right over 1f out, kept on final furlong, never troubled leaders, 5th of 14, 11l behind Numero Due (9-8) at Warwick 2m hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Sept (Flat).
Hennessy (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) Behind, kept on from over 2f out, never dangerous, 9th of 22, 20l behind Pangbourne (11-4) at Aintree 2m 1f nhf Grd 2 (1) gs in Apr.
Major Faux Pas (IRE) 16-1 (8-9) Always mid-division, 8th of 16, 11l behind Vamp (9-1) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) sft in Oct '05 (Flat).
Ocarito (GER) 50-1 (11-0) Always behind, tailed off when blundered 6th, 11th of 14, well behind Almanshood (10-8) at Plumpton 2m mdn hdl (5) gd in Oct.
Opera Knight 50-1 (10-5) Always behind, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Catchthebug (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m nov hdl (E) gd in Jul '05, 11 ran.
Shannon Springs (IRE) 9-4fav (10-12) Mid-division, headway 3rd, led after 5th, ridden and headed approaching last, no extra, 2nd of 12, 4l behind Wotchalike (10-7) at Exeter 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
