mid-division, lost place 9f out, well behind 5f out
chased leaders, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leader who went well clear from 12f out, ridden to close from 2f out, led under hand riding near finish
in rear, ridden over 5f out, headway over 2f out, no impression over 1f out
held up in rear, headway over 4f out, went 3rd over 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f
in rear, headway over 2f out, went 4th over 1f out, unable to reach leaders
mid-division, lost place over 6f out, weakened over 5f out
ridden to lead, went clear from 12f out, driven over 2f out, edged right and headed near finish
chased leaders, weakened over 4f out
mid-division, headway 10f out, ridden over 3f out, no impression over 1f out
held up towards rear, headway under pressure over 3f out, weakened 2f out
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
The ground should not be detrimental to the chances of VERTUEUX, who can make it three wins from four starts, and see off Minder and Il Portico. Tony Carroll's five-year-old Verglas colt has not been quite at his best when there has been some cut, though he hasn't performed too badly, and he steps back up to a trip that suits. He is certainly in cracking form and with 7lbs taken off through claimer Debra England he can lead them home. Minder's pedigree suggests that he should act on softer ground and he has stayed over two miles over jumps, though he still has stamina to prove in this sphere. Il Portico won a Wolverhampton handicap in March when rated 53 and is just 2lbs higher this evening. That entitles him to go close if he can handle the going. Contrada is not without a chance but is another who my not handle cut and Vertueux gets the nod. (Jonathan Doidge)
Contrada 8-1 (8-6) Always in rear, ridden over 3f out, looked awkward from over 1f out, last of 8, 9l behind Manshoor (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Apr '09.
Street Runner 12-1 (8-13) In touch, lost place after 4f, outpaced over 3f out, kept on final furlong, 6th of 10, 6l behind Moscow Oznick (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Vertueux (FR) 6-4fav (8-12) Held up mid-division, headway on inside over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, led just inside final furlong, driven clear, won at Chepstow 1m 4f app hcp 0-70 (5) gf beating Garafena (8-10) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
Sir Sandicliffe (IRE) 8-1 (8-6) In touch, ridden 6f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 10, 6l behind Moscow Oznick (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Minder 4-1 (8-9) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 11, 7l behind Ghufa (9-10) at Newbury 1m 3f app hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jun.
Princess Flame (GER) 33-1 (8-6) Took keen hold, chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened just inside final 2f, 9th of 11, 7l behind Ghufa (9-10) at Newbury 1m 3f app hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jun.
Chateauneuf (IRE) 20-1 (8-7) Always towards rear, 10th of 12, 18l behind Petella (8-6) at Carlisle 2m 1f mdn hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
Spiritonthemount (USA) 5-1 (8-4) Reminders after start, led after 1f until halfway, chased leader, ridden 4f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Perception (9-7) at Bath 2m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) fm.
Be Kind 50-1 (8-7) In rear, ridden 4f out, never near leaders, 6th of 10, 28l behind Touch of Style (8-1) at Bath 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Jun.
Olivino (GER) 11-1 (8-1) Mid-division, headway 6f out, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 12, 13l behind Cote d'Argent (9-4) at Bath 1m 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in May.
Il Portico 7-1 (8-8) Started slowly, reluctant early stages in rear, ridden along halfway, modest headway 2f out, went well held 3rd final furlong, 3rd of 6, 14l behind Mount Athos (9-7) at Folkestone 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Finzi Contini (FR) 40-1 (9-0) Dwelt, always in rear, 7th of 9, 14l behind Vertueux (8-12) at Chepstow 1m 4f app hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Rickety Bridge (IRE) 8-1 (10-7) Held up in mid-division, headway on outside 2f out, ridden and chased leaders over 1f out, went 3rd and kept on inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 4 1/2l behind Pure Crystal (10-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f am sell stks (6) pol in Jun.
Party Palace 7-2 (8-6) Led until 9f out, pressed leader until; over 2f out, soon weakened, 5th of 6, 8l behind Where's Susie (9-6) at Bath 1m 4f fll hcp 0-70 (5) fm.
