prominent, led after 3rd, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, soon edged left, weakened 2 out, left 2nd last
mid-division, ridden after 4th, weakened before 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden after 4th, weakening when blundered 3 out, left 4th last
mistake 4th, always towards rear
lost touch quickly approaching 2nd and pulled up
led until after 3rd, ridden after 4th, weakened before next
tracked leaders, ridden after 4th, weakened after 3 out, mistake next, left 3rd last
tracked leaders, ridden to chase leader approaching 3 out, 2 lengths and looked held when left clear soon after last
tracked leaders, led approaching 3 out, 2 lengths ahead and likely winner when stumbled on path soon after last and fell
always behind, tailed off and pulled up after 4th
always behind, tailed off and pulled up after 4th
THE NIGHTINGALE, Shalone, Samurai Way, Outlandish and Hector's Choice are of principal interest here and the suggestion is the Nicholls runner. He was first sighted at Wincanton on Boxing Day when he ran out an impressive 8 length winner of a bumper that his yard has a good record in. The form isn't too shabby either as the second home, Finney, has proved himself to be a useful sort. He was stepped up to Grade 2 company for his second start and ran a fair enough race but was no match for Nicky Henderon's giant Mad Max. Shalone should not be underestimated as his form in bumpers isn't far behind that of the selection. He, too, won a Wincanton bumper on debut where he was the stable's second string but he proved his ability when running the smart Diamond Harry close in a valuable Newbury contest before running away with a race at Uttoxeter. He may prove to be more at home over this trip than the selection. Samurai Way is a ninety rated recruit from the Flat but his yard has yet to get into its stride and a watching brief is advised on this occasion. That's also the case with Fire And Rain who will command close attention once handicapping. Hector's Choice and Outlandish are two others to bear in mind as the former has winning form to his name in France whilst the latter showed up well in bumpers before trying his hand on the Flat. This race should throw up plenty of winners but The Nightingale may be the one to land the spoils today.
Hector's Choice (FR) (10-3) Narrow leader, stayed on well from 1f out, pushed out, won at Nantes 2m 4f hdl in Apr beating Mashour (9-13) by 3/4l, 14 ran.
Alfatrix (IRE) Alflora gelding out of Dutch Majesty.
Custers Last Stand (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) Held up, mid-division over 5f out, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened, 10th of 15, 45l behind Time For Rupert (10-12) at Ludlow 2m nhf (5) gd in Apr.
Fire And Rain (FR) 7-2 (11-0) Mid-division, progress to chase leaders 6th, jumped slowly next, soon ridden and beaten, weakening when jumped left 3 out, 6th of 13, 50l behind Ballykelly (11-0) at Towcester 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in May.
Jayjay Valentine 8-1 (10-7) In touch until lost place halfway, ridden 4f out, ran wide 3f out, no danger after, 6th of 11, 18l behind Tim Henry (10-11) at N Abbot 2m 1f mdn nhf (6) gf in Jul.
Just Shove It (IRE) Perpendicular gelding, half-brother to 1m-1m2f winner Larifaari and winning jumper/bumper Don't Push It.
Machhapuchhare 33-1 (11-0) Keen hold, in touch, weakened 5th, hit next, 11th of 14, well behind King's Revenge (11-0) at Lingfield 2m 4yo mdn hdl (4) hvy in Jan '07.
Plane Painter (IRE) 13-8fav (9-4) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, held, one pace inside final furlong, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Alnwick (8-12) at Warwick 1m 7f hcp 0-75 (5) frm in Jun (Flat).
Samurai Way 6-1jt-fav (9-2) Held up, pushed along 4f out, weakened and eased over 1f out, 24th of 33, 49l behind Leg Spinner (8-11) at Newmarket 2m 2f hcap (2) gs in Oct '07 (Flat).
Shalone 2-1fav (11-5) Always prominent, led on bit over 2f out, quickened clear over 1f out, impressive, won at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gs in May beating Little Al (11-9) by 13l, 15 ran.
The Nightingale (FR) 5-2jt-fav (11-7) Chased leaders until lost place 6f out, ridden and headway over 3f out, stayed on to go 2nd near finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 8l behind Mad Max (11-7) at Newbury 2m nhf Grd 2 (1) gs in Feb.
Miss Habershon 11-2 (8-9) In touch, driven along over 3f out, effort on outside over 2f out, stayed on same pace, 6th of 16, 3l behind Almahaza (9-0) at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo sll (5) gd in Oct '07 (Flat).
River Conquest 12-1 (10-2) In touch, ridden over 5f out, weakened over 4f out, tailed off, 9th of 12, well behind Foolish Cliche (10-11) at Exeter 2m 1f nhf (5) gf in May.
One To Follow 10-1 (10-0) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 3f out, chased leaders over 1f out, soon no impression, 7th of 13, 9l behind Hadron Collider (9-1) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jul (Flat).
Outlandish 14-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, mistake last, 12th of 18, 30l behind Group Captain (11-0) at Newbury 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
