tracked leaders in 3rd almost throughout, ridden in 3rd 3 out, no impression on leaders next, kept on same pace in 3rd run-in
led, took keen hold, ridden and headed before 3 out, 4th next, no impression
tracked leader in 2nd, not fluent 7th, ridden after 4 out, dropped to moderate 5th before 2 out, no impression
tracked leaders in 4th, improved to lead before 2 out, ridden and strongly pressed 2 out, ran around approaching last, led after last, stayed on well inside final furlong
held up in last, slight mistakes 3rd and 5th, pushed along briefly 6th, closer in 6th 4 out, soon ridden and no impression
in touch in 6th, slight mistake 1st, progress 3 out, disputed lead and strongly pressed winner 2 out, soon ridden, ran around approaching last, bad mistake at last and headed, kept on same pace in 2nd inside final furlong
tracked leaders in 5th, ridden and dropped to last 3 out, weakened
NonRunner
Holmes St Georges has never been further than 2m4f and, though consistent, is taking on a couple of higher-rated rivals. Joyeux Machin was well beaten in a Grade B handicap at the Punchestown Festival on Saturday but Lieutenant Highway completed a four-timer over shorter before tackling this trip at Cheltenham in October where he pulled much too hard. PAUL MARVEL made a winning debut over 2m at Limerick then sustained an injury at Navan in March where he didn't jump well. He looks the type to do better over this trip so gets the nod though Bella Bliss won easily over 2m6f when sent to Cartmel so shouldn't have a problem staying.
Holmes St Georges (FR) 11-4fav (11-12) Chased leaders, prominent before 4 out, pushed along before 2 out, led approaching last where not fluent, kept on, headed under 110 yards out on run-in, no extra, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Fingal's Hill (11-5) at Newcastle 2m 1f hcp (3) hvy in Apr.
Lieutenant Highway (IRE) 12-1 (11-6) Took keen hold, led, mistake 1st, not fluent 3rd, headed after 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out, at Cheltenham 3m hcp (2) gd in Oct.
Paul Marvel (FR) 4-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders in 3rd, not fluent 3rd, 4th and 5th, pushed along before 3 out, slight mistake 3 out and ridden, went moderate 3rd 2 out, kept on one pace in 3rd, not trouble leaders, 3rd of 5, 11 1/2l behind Senior Chief (11-4) at Navan 2m 6f hvy in Mar.
Bella Bliss (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) Prominent, pushed along home turn, chased leader approaching last where not fluent, ridden and rallied closing stages, just denied, 2nd of 11, nk behind Bingoo (12-0) at Hexham 2m (4) sft in Apr.
Wee Jerry (IRE) 20-1 (10-5) Led, inclined to jump left, mistake 4 out, pushed along and headed after 2 out, ridden in 4th after last, no extra, 7th of 12, 18 1/4l behind Winding River (11-9) at Downpatrick 2m 6f hcp sft in Apr.
Cocoplum (IRE) 25-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, ridden entering straight, weakened, 15th of 18, dist behind Pure Sirloin (11-5) at Navan 2m 4f hcp sft in Jan.
Social Distancing (IRE) 150-1 (10-13) Mid-division, lost place after halfway, ridden and detached in rear after 4 out, no extra, well behind and pulled up before last, at Punchestown 2m 6f mdn Yielding in Feb.
Joyeux Machin (FR) 25-1 (10-11) Towards rear, pushed along and no impression after 2 out, kept on one pace in straight, never a factor, 12th of 18, 15 1/4l behind Seddon (10-12) at Punchestown 2m 3f hcp Good - Yielding in Apr.
