held up rear, rapid headway from 7th to chase leaders after next, ridden to lead approaching 3 out, headed approaching last, no extra
held up rear, headway from 7th, ridden to lead approaching last, stayed on well
mid-division until hit 5th, soon tailed off, stumbled and unseated rider after 8th
chased leader until 8th, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, stumbled badly 2 out, pulled up before last
held up mid-division, headway 6th, ridden after 8th, one pace
led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakened after 2 out
always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders until 5th, soon behind, tailed off
chased leaders, ridden after 8th, 4th and weakening when fell 2 out
in touch until 8th, soon weakened, left poor 4th 2 out
mid-division, headway 6th, ridden approaching 8th, soon weakened
behind from 6th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
A handful look worthy of a mention in the opener at Exeter; with none making more appeal than the in-form Ilabon, who steps up to a trip that should suit his style of running and he is preferred over Noble Calling, Leche Bottes and Sylphide. Although Roman Court is also capable of holding his own at this level and support for him will be interesting. However, Ilabon was always finding things happening too quickly when he failed to justify favouritism at Worcester last time but still plugged on gamely to finish a close up third behind an improving sort form the Henry Daly yard - form which reads respectably in this easier grade. Tom Malone has enjoyed a fair season and takes a handy 3lb off the back of the selection, which should also ease his burden at the weights today. Noble Calling could be dangerous if he consents to put in something like he is capable of. However, as Ron Hodges charge has a little to prove regarding the trip he may be best watched this time, and is passed over in favour of the unexposed Leche Bottes as the main danger. This French-bred gelding, a stablemate of the selection, will find this a lot easier than the task he was presented with on his British debut at Aintree earlier in the month and he is one to bear in mind for the future whatever happens this afternoon. However, he may have to settle for a minor role for now as Ilabon has too much in his favour to ignore in this weaker company.
