led to 2nd, chased leader to 10th, outpaced 4 out, rallied approaching 2 out, ridden approaching last, one pace
always prominent, went 2nd 10th, ridden to lead approaching last, driven out
held up, not fluent 3rd, mistake 4 out, soon struggling
held up, mistake 10th, progress 14th, outpaced 3 out, rallied 2 out, soon ridden, 4th and weakening when blundered last, broke blood vessel
led 2nd, ridden and headed approaching last, stayed on same pace flat
This is tricky but FIFTY SHADES is taken to oblige as he receives a hefty amount of weight from all rivals, even more so when Jack Tudor's claim is factored into the equation. He was well behind Hepijeu here last time in the Norfolk National but is 12lb better off now even with his rider's claim not included and will be better suited by this 5f shorter trip. Vendredi Trois is admirably consistent but keeps finding one too good, Elkstone would have a claim at his best but has disappointed the last twice and Mercers Court is another currently seeking his strongest form. Cap Du Nord has his fair share of weight and therefore the aforementioned Hepijeu rates the main danger. He has been rejuvenated by the move to Stuart Edmunds and seems sure to be in the shake-up once again.
Cap Du Nord (FR) 7-1 (10-9) Led, not fluent 8th, headed narrowly 4 out, blundered next, lost place 2 out, soon beaten, 6th of 8, 14l behind Brave Eagle (11-12) at Haydock 2m 5f hcp (2) gd in May.
Hepijeu (FR) 8-1 (11-5) Close up, led 4 out, ridden and headed after 2 out, held and 2 lengths down when left clear at last, stayed on, won at Fakenham 3m 5f hcp (3) gd in May beating Doing Fine (12-1) by 17l, 10 ran.
Vendredi Trois (FR) 5-1 (11-12) Held up in touch, left 3rd 6 out, challenged 2 out, every chance last, kept on and held run-in, 2nd of 5, 3 1/2l behind Craigmor (11-6) at Market Rasen 3m hcp (4) gd in May.
Elkstone 9-1 (11-1) Held up on outside, raced keenly, tried to close in 4th after 4 out, hanging right before 3 out, no impression, 4th of 7, 24l behind Van Gogh Du Granit (11-10) at Market Rasen 3m hcp (3) gd in May.
Fifty Shades (IRE) 11-4fav (11-0) Prominent, led 5th, headed 4 out, tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, keeping on same pace when left 3rd at last, 3rd of 10, 24l behind Hepijeu (11-5) at Fakenham 3m 5f hcp (3) gd in May.
Mercers Court (IRE) 11-2 (11-5) Led until before 3rd, led 4th, headed before 5th, every chance 15th, weakened last, 6th of 8, dist behind Al Co (10-11) at Cartmel 3m 5f hcp (3) gd in May.
