chased leader, joined leader 6th, headed 9th, pushed along before 4 out, no extra
held up in rear, steady headway 5th, ridden 8th, pulled up before 4 out
mid-division, joined leader 9th, headed 4 out, kept on same pace
held up towards rear, smooth headway 5 out, headed leader 4 out, 7 lengths clear 2 out, easily
took keen hold, disputed lead, pushed along 4 out, outpaced by leader 3 out, stayed on for modest third
Lord Schnapps, having his first start for new connections when runner-up at Worcester last month, should improve for the run and looks the main threat to chasing newcomer BALLINSKER (NAP). Evan Williams' charge has won between the flags and twice over hurdles including at Southwell last week and his pedigree suggests he should do better over fences. He's also 5lb better in than future handicaps. Repetitio has also won twice over timber and has some experience over fences while Courtland has won a bumper and a Uttoxeter handicap over timber though has a lot to find with the selection on official ratings. Winning point-to-pointer Dunbar is 0-18 under Rules.
Repetitio (IRE) 8-1 (11-13) Led, clear approaching 3 out, reduced lead next, ridden and headed approaching last when rider dropped whip, kept on same pace, 3rd of 14, 9l behind Asockastar (11-13) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in May.
Ballinsker (IRE) 16-5 (11-10) Chased leader, left in lead 3 out, headed before next, closed to challenge last, soon led, clear towards finish, won at Southwell 2m hcp (4) gd in Jun beating Kentucky Hardboot (11-6) by 4 1/4l, 7 ran.
Lord Schnapps (FR) 13-2 (12-0) Tracked leaders, every chance 4 out, ridden to press winner 2 out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Wagner (11-12) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in May.
Courtland (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Mid-division on inside, headway from 5th, not fluent 4 out, weakened before 2 out, 7th of 12, 32 1/4l behind Bembridge (10-8) at Ffos Las 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in May.
Dunbar (FR) 5-2 (10-4) Led, ridden and headed before 2 out, weakened last, 4th of 6, 15 3/4l behind Iconic Muddle (12-0) at Huntingdon 2m hcp (4) gd in May.