towards rear, plugged on from 2 out, never on terms
chased leaders, ridden before 3 out, weakened 3 out
chased winner, ridden before 2 out, lost 2nd between last 2, mistake last, plugged on into 3rd near finish
made all, pushed along before 2 out, stayed on well unchallenged
chased leaders, weakened 3 out
chased leaders, ridden and went 2nd between last 2, no chance with winner, lost 2 places close home
in touch, headway chasing leaders approaching 3 out, soon 4th, went left 2 out and last, kept on into 2nd close home, no chance with winner
never better than mid-division, weakened before 3 out
always towards rear, mistakes 2nd and 5th, never a factor, tailed off
always in rear, tailed off
always towards rear, tailed off
in touch, weakened before 6th, behind and pulled up before next
mistake 1st, soon detached, tailed off 4th, pulled up after next
There are six previous winners in this opener and it may pay to concentrate on that half-dozen, though Old Harry Rocks looks up against it under a double penalty. POINT OF PRINCIPLE found himself a little outclassed behind Santini at Aintree but an earlier defeat of Dame De Compagnie at Ascot reads well with the runner-up having landed a Listed race at Cheltenham nine days ago. Molineaux boasts consistent form in novice events and handicaps but connections will be hoping for plenty of rain. Rio Quinto also needs a soft surface but has the champion in the saddle so will attract support while Indian Hercules should run his race again. Call Me Sid’s maiden win at Ludlow in January is working out well but he disappointed at Fontwell next time when wayward in his jumping.
Old Harry Rocks (IRE) 33-1 (11-9) Held up in rear, ridden after 6th, no impression, well beaten before 2 out, 8th of 10, dist behind Jammin Masters (11-10) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (3) hvy in Apr.
Call Me Sid 2-1 (11-5) Jumped right, led until before 2 out, dropped to 3rd after 2 out, stayed on same pace and no chance with leading duo, weakened into 4th run-in, 4th of 12, 17 1/4l behind Jersey Bean (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 3f (4) gs in Feb.
Indian Hercules (IRE) 10-1 (11-6) Tracked leader until after 3rd, led after 8th, headed before 2 out, not fluent last, no impression on winner flat, 3rd of 6, 5 3/4l behind Traffic Fluide (11-0) at Plumpton 2m 5f (4) hvy in Apr.
Molineaux (IRE) 5-2 (11-7) Led briefly, tracked leaders, went 2nd after 3rd until after 4 out, led again 3 out, headed before next, soon dropped to 3rd and one pace, 3rd of 7, 14l behind Euxton Lane (11-7) at Newbury 2m 5f (3) sft in Mar.
Point Of Principle (IRE) 66-1 (11-4) Prominent, not fluent 6th or 7th, pushed along before 3 out, weakened approaching next, 7th of 13, 35 1/2l behind Santini (11-4) at Aintree 3m 1f (1) sft in Apr.
Rio Quinto (FR) 5-6fav (11-9) Hung left, tracked leading pair, 2nd 3 out, hung left and hit 2 out, no impression when lost 2nd last, hung left run-in, ran on into 2nd again towards finish, always held, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Florrie Knox (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 5f (4) sft in Mar.
All Together (FR) 50-1 (10-1) Tracked leaders, blundered badly and unseated rider 12th, at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (1) gd in Mar.
Bit Of A Charlie 100-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, pushed along before 7th, ridden and weakened approaching next (3 out), 7th of 12, dist behind Le Musee (11-2) at Taunton 2m 3f mdn (4) sft in Mar.
General Picton (IRE) Beneficial gelding out of Back To Cloghoge.
Plenty Of Butty (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) In rear, pushed along 6f out, never on terms, tailed off, 8th of 11, dist behind Dr Sanderson (10-7) at Carlisle 2m 1f (5) gs in Mar.
Stanza Boy (IRE) 40-1 (10-13) Held up, quick move to track leader after 4th, led before 3 out until after 3 out, weakened before next, 6th of 8, 28l behind Billingsley (11-6) at Chepstow 2m (4) hvy in Apr.
Tucks Bergin (IRE) 5-1 (12-0) (cp) (tt) a.p; chsd wnr 11; no ex 2 out; fin 10l 2nd; disq, 2nd of 12, 13l behind Elizabeths Wish (11-7) at Ston Easton 2m 4f gs in Mar.
Trysor Ynys (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Always behind, struggling 5f out, tailed off, 11th of 12, dist behind Supremely Lucky (11-5) at Chepstow 2m mdn (5) sft in Feb.
