mid-division, headway to chase leaders 4 out, driven and outpaced after next, never on terms
held up in rear, outpaced 3 out, ridden next, never able to challenge
tracked leader, driven and lost place 3 out, weakened from next
mistake and pecked 1st, held up towards rear, chased leaders 3 out, ridden and kept on same pace from next, no impression
led, hard pressed 2 out, ridden and headed between last 2, kept on and every chance last, held towards finish
tracked leading pair, went 2nd 3 out, challenged next, led between last 2, ridden and hung left under pressure flat, held on towards finish
held up mid-division, headway 3 out, chased leading pair 3 out, ridden after next, kept on and every chance when not fluent last, held flat
mid-division on inside, not fluent and dropped towards rear 2nd, mistake 6th, blundered next, soon struggling, lost touch when stumbled 4 out, tailed off
An interesting contest that revolves around Talenti and OEDIPE, and we will take the latter to win it, while Kilmore West might be good enough to make the frame. The selection is saddled by Nicky Henderson, who has a formidable record when sending runners to this track. The eight-year-old has never yet raced over hurdles, but was rated 146 at his best over fences and is still in the mid-130s in that sphere. If he is able to translate that sort of ability to this discipline then he will be tough to beat. Preparation won't be a problem, though he does have to prove himself on fast ground and an element of caution is advised. The ground could also be a concern for Talenti. Lawney Hill's gelding has scored twice when there has been some cut in the ground and has little experience of quicker conditions. Stamina should not be an issue on this flat track and he is respected. Kilmore West won an Irish point on heavy ground, so stamina won't be a problem for him, while he appeared to handle good to firm well enough when runner-up in a Ffos Las bumper recently and so market support for him on this hurdling introduction would probably be significant. He could pick up some prize money. Saintly Lady and Ours In Law should both see out the trip now that they are asked to step up, but both have it to prove on the going and we think that the class of Oedipe can see him home in front.
Talenti (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) With leaders and raced wide, weakened 9th, 7th of 11, 39l behind Hoback Junction (11-1) at Plumpton 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Ashmolian (IRE) 28-1 (11-1) In rear, hampered 5th, never dangerous, 7th of 17, 16l behind Merry Music (11-4) at Towcester 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd in Mar.
Grand Article (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened 3 out, 7th of 12, 47l behind Shropshirelass (10-9) at Stratford 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft in Mar.
Kilmore West (IRE) 2-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, went 2nd over 2f out, driven and kept on same pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 10l behind Manikon Eros (11-3) at Ffos Las 2m NH flat (6) gf in Apr.
Oedipe (FR) 9-1 (10-0) Mid-division, pushed along 9th, weakened after next, pulled up soon after, in a race won by Razor Royale (10-5) at Kempton 3m hcp chs G3 (1) sft in Feb, 13 ran.
Oursininlaw (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders approaching 3 out, one pace, 3rd of 7, 18l behind Captive Audience (11-0) at Ffos Las 2m NH mdn hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Little Carmela 12-1 (10-10) Always rear division, 8th of 14, 30l behind Mayberry (10-13) at Fontwell 2m 2f mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Saintly Lady (IRE) 7-2 (10-9) Towards rear, headway over 6f out, effort 4f out, weakened 2f out, 4th of 8, 22l behind Glitzy D'ocala (11-2) at Chepstow 2m NH flat (6) hvy in Apr.
