in touch, chased winner approaching 3 out, ridden next, kept on same pace
always behind, tailed off from 2 out
held up towards rear, driven, some headway 3 out, never on terms
chased leaders, driven, headway approaching 3 out, ridden, one pace from next
mid-division, lost place approaching 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off, pulled up before last
in touch, driven, outpaced 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, effort 3 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace from next
tracked leader, headway to lead before 3 out, ridden next, kept on well
held up, headway 4 out, ridden to chase leaders after next, kept on same pace
always towards rear, tailed off 2 out
raced keenly, led, headed before 3 out, soon ridden, weakened
Predator caught the eye on his British debut and the weight he receives from Menchikov is enough to swing the vote in his favour today, while Sgt Pepper may have more to offer and is worth noting for each-way support. The last named won a Listed race on the Flat for Richard Hannon and has shown a fair aptitude for hurdling. He has shaped as if he needs a test of his stamina and looks worth a try over this trip. Softening of the ground would be a concern with him though and an updated going report should be noted before taking the plunge with him. Menchikov didn't beat much when landing a qualifier at Ludlow last month. However, he responded gamely when coming under pressure near the finish and he has the right sort of attitude to go close in this company. Nevertheless, Predator - also Listed class in Germany - need only run to the level of his Aintree outing to get off the mark for his new yard. Noel Fehily is sure to give him every assistance from the saddle and a bold bid is anticipated.
Menchikov (FR) Evensfav (11-0) Prominent and keen, hit 3rd, ridden after 6th, hit 2 out, ran on to lead towards finish, won at Ludlow 2m nh nov hdl (E) gd in Nov beating Billyandi (10-7) by 1l, 11 ran.
Carpe Momentum (USA) 100-1 (10-9) Always behind, 18th of 23, well behind Whispered Promises (11-5) at Wetherby 2m nov hdl (E) gs in Nov.
Compton Dragon (USA) 100-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, never on terms, 11th of 23, 45l behind Whispered Promises (11-5) at Wetherby 2m nov hdl (E) gs in Nov.
Franco (IRE) 28-1 (10-7) Led until ran out at the 5th in race won by Clyffe Hanger (11-0) at Leicester 2m 4f nov hdl (C) gs in Nov, 10 ran.
Pearly Star 33-1 (10-12) Always behind, behind when pulled up 4 out in race won by Magnifico (11-5) at Hereford 2m 3f nov hdl (E) gd in Nov, 14 ran.
Predator (GER) 10-11fav (10-13) Keen, mid-division, headway after 6th, ridden to lead 2 out, headed last, ran on, 2nd of 11, shd behind Whispered Promises (10-13) at Aintree 2m mdn hdl (E) gd in Jun.
Sgt Pepper (IRE) 5-1 (11-2) Held up, headway on bit approaching 2 out, hit last, shaken up flat, kept on, 5th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Silver City (11-2) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (E) gf in Nov.
Dormy Two (IRE) 25-1 (10-9) Mid-division, lost place 4 out, 13th of 17, well behind Cloudless Dawn (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (D) gd in Nov.
