mid-divison, headway over 6f out, ridden and every chance over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-divison, ridden and weakened 4f out
kicked and went right start, headway 6f out, ridden 2f out, soon weakened
keen, pulled way through to track leaders 10f out, weakened 6f out
carried badly right start and lost many lengths, headway over 4f out, hung left under pressure, stayed on
led, headed over 5f out, weakened over 3f out
tracked leaders, weakened 5f out
held up, headway 6f out, ridden to chase leaders 3f out, weakened final furlong
lashed out start, alway behind
mid-division, headway 6f out, chased leaders over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
in touch, weakened 5f out
in touch and keen, led over 2f out, edged left, driven out
tracked leaders, weakened over 3f out
in touch, led over 5f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
Herecomesthetruth gets the vote over Chevy To The Levy, Cant Buy Time, Finbar's Pi and Kahrayn to name but a few. With the big stables turning out in abundance, it is difficult to be confident of predicting the outcome, but as Paul Nicholls has such a good record in this event, having won it twice in the past five seasons, ex-pointer Herecomesthetruth is the selection. Purchased by Paul Barber and Maggie Findlay, he is bred to be a decent staying chaser and whatever the outcome here, should be followed. Chevy To The Levy was beaten in a photo on his debut here in March and goes on the short-list along with Can't Buy Time who is well related. Finbar's Pi has a bit of experience, while Run For The Moor had potential when last seen between-the-flags. Kahrayn is a half-brother to Kadarann so has to be of interest, while Nigel Twiston-Davies has won this race before, and is double-handed with Paddy Brennan getting the leg up on The Great Alfie. All in all, this could be informative, with Herecomesthetruth the pick of a decent bunch.
Ben Gough Meadowbrook gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Can't Buy Time (IRE) Supreme Leader gelding, related to several winners in bumpers and over jumps including high-class chaser Stroll Home.
Chevy To The Levy (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Mid-division, headway 6f out to track leaders, ridden 4f out, ran on well inside final furlong, just denied, 2nd of 13, shd behind Hillridge (10-11) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) gd in Mar.
Cornas (NZ) Prized gelding out of Duvessa.
Dirty Den (IRE) 20-1 (10-13) Led, ridden and headed 5f out, weakened over 3f out, 4th of 12, well behind Galoshes (10-13) at Hereford 2m 1f mdn nhf (6) hvy in Jan.
Dover's Hill Pistolet Bleu gelding, half-brother to winners on the Flat and over hurdles.
Finbar's Pi (IRE) 6-1 (11-4) Mid-division, ridden and headway 7f out, chasing leaders and hanging left when left 2nd 3f out, kept on, 2nd of 13, 1/2l behind Aya (10-11) at Plumpton 2m 2f nhf (6) gd in May.
Flashing Wild (IRE) 10-1 (12-0) Prom til wknd 12; bhnd when pulled up in race won by Brown Cockle (12-0) at Badbury Rings 3m ptp gd in Feb, 18 ran.
Herecomesthetruth (IRE) (12-0) 2nd of 17, 1 1/2l behind Big Fella Thanks (12-0) at Carrigtwohill 3m ire ptp gs in Feb.
Jayne's Crusader Lord Americo gelding out of winning hurdler/chaser Carole's Crusader.
Kahrayn Generous gelding, half-brother to winning miler Kabylia and several winners over jumps including smart Kadarann.
Killfinnan Castle (IRE) Arctic Lord gelding, half-brother to numerous winners over jumps and in bumpers.
Ninety Nine Looks (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) Tracked leader, ridden and effort 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f, 3rd of 10, 8l behind Cast Iron Casey (11-4) at Wetherby 2m nhf (5) gs in Feb.
Run For Moor (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Lft in ld 8; drew clr 2 out; easy, won at Woodford 3m ptp gf in Apr '06 beating Special Friend (12-0) by 10l, 12 ran.
Tango Witha Mango Midnight Legend gelding out of winning hurdler Lonicera.
The Great Alfie Alflora gelding out of an unraced mare.