prominent, led 4 out, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened approaching last
held up, pecked 6th, never dangerous
led, ridden and headed 4 out, kept pressing leaders, one pace from 2 out
always towards rear, weakened approaching 4 out
held up, headway after 7th, effort 4 out, hit 3 out, kept on same pace from next
tracked leaders, jumped left home straight, challenging when mistake 4 out, hit next, kept on but held from 2 out
held up, niggled along 5th, weakened approaching 4 out
in touch, took closer order at 7th, led 3 out, in command from next comfortably
in touch, took closer order at 7th, every chance 4 out, soon ridden, one pace from next
in touch until weakened 4 out
TARABLAZE looked pretty useful when winning at Uttoxeter and may be able to take this step up in grade in his stride. Dangers amongst the opposition should include Gray Mountain and Diablo. The selection had won a point in Ireland prior to changing hands earlier this year and he could hardly have been more impressive when opening his account at the first time of asking. He may not have beaten a great deal there but there should be a good deal more to come from him as he gains experience. Diablo comes here on the back of an impressive win at Cheltenham but it wasn't a great race for the track. He could do no more than win though and is progressing well. Gray Mountain faces a stiffer test following wins at Perth and Kelso but Lucinda Russell's former American Flat winner has done everything asked of him in decent style and was very impressive last time. Figures give Khachaturian a chance and he certainly won well on his reappearance whilst Junior ran some big races in smart company and should be in the mix if handling the track. No Panic returned a beaten favourite behind Gray Mountain last time so has a bit to find on that showing, Possol ran some big races over fences and isn't discounted on what is just his second start over hurdles whilst Hell's Bay has to be feared given the record of his yard despite fluffing his lines last season. There are some interesting prospects on show and we'll take Tarablaze to lead them home.
Diablo (IRE) 9-1 (11-0) Prominent, ridden to lead approaching 3 out, driven out flat, won at Cheltenham 3m 1f nov hdl (3) gd beating Valerius (11-0) by 3l, 10 ran.
Gray Mountain (USA) 9-2 (11-9) Raced keenly, held up, headway 3 out, quickened to lead flat, pushed clear readily, won at Kelso 2m 6f hdl (3) gd beating Pagan Starprincess (10-11) by 8l, 10 ran.
Khachaturian (IRE) 11-10fav (11-8) Made all, clear approaching last, won at Bangor 2m 4f nov hdl (3) gd beating Quail (10-7) by 11l, 11 ran.
Chevy To The Levy (IRE) 5-2 (11-12) Chased leader, led 7th, ridden after 2 out, headed and no extra towards finish, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Battle Stations (10-12) at Aintree 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd in Jun.
No Panic (IRE) 7-4fav (11-9) Tracked leaders, led between last 2, ridden and headed flat, kept on same pace, 3rd of 10, 11l behind Gray Mountain (11-9) at Kelso 2m 6f hdl (3) gd.
Tarablaze (IRE) 2-1fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, led approaching 3 out, drew clear flat, eased towards finish, won at Uttoxeter 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gs beating Tisfreetdream (10-9) by 7l, 13 ran.
Winged d'Argent (IRE) 15-8fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, mistake 5th, edged left under pressure and mistake 3 out, hard ridden after 2 out, led last, driven out, won at Exeter 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs beating One Chapter One (10-7) by 3 1/2l, 12 ran.
Hell's Bay (FR) 8-15fav (11-2) Chased leading pair, ridden to challenge approaching 2 out, soon one pace, 4th of 11, 9l behind Isn't That Lucky (11-2) at Sandown 2m nh nov hdl (3) gd in Feb.
Junior 15-2 (11-8) Held up in touch, pushed along approaching 3 out, edged left before 2 out, weakened flat, 7th of 21, 11l behind Auroras Encore (10-7) at Aintree 2m 4f lst hcp hdl (1) gs in Apr.
Possol (FR) 11-10fav (11-5) Led to 2nd, chased leader, led 5th, headed approaching 2 out, rallied gamely run in to regain lead towards finish, won at Towcester 2m nov chs (4) gd in Apr beating La Grande Villez (10-12) by 1l, 10 ran.
