chased clear leader, closed before 3 out, not fluent 2 out, led well before last, pushed 3 lengths clear when hit last, ridden to assert final 100 yards
took keen hold, not fluent, held up in 6th and off the pace, lost touch after 2 out, tailed off
held up well in rear, ridden and struggling after 2 out, never on terms, tailed off
took keen hold, held up in 5th, chased leading pair 2 out, ridden before last, stayed on same pace flat
led, clear 2nd, reduced lead and hit 3 out, led well before last, tried to rally as winner hit last but readily held final 100 yards
chased leaders until hit 2 out, ridden and beaten when hung badly left well before last
chased leaders, pushed along after 2 out, soon outpaced
AEGEAN DAWN can take this contest at the principal expense of Badger Foot and Pinerock. The selection dotted up by ten lengths in a Kempton bumper in February and while it is unwise to get too carried away by that run, he displayed a likeable attitude and an aptitude for the going. Badger Foot won a point at Lemonfield over 2m4f so is clearly not without ability so his Chepstow run may be best forgotten. Pinerock failed to get his head infront under three Tony McCoy rides in bumpers. A half-brother to Torduff Express, he may need further in time. Another Miracle gave the impression he would come on for the run at this course. Lord Singer has already been chasing in France prior to joining current connections. Rigadin de Beauchene has left the Alner yard and now makes a debut for Venetia Williams. Aegean Dawn ticks most boxes on balance.
Aegean Dawn 14-1 (10-8) Raced on outside, held up towards rear, headway from 7f out, chased leaders over 3f out, led over 2f out, soon clear, won at Kempton 2m mdn nat hunt flt (4-6yo) (6) sft in Feb beating Tzora (10-8) by 10l, 12 ran.
Another Miracle 25-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, ridden and one pace final 2f, 4th of 9, 14l behind J'adhere (10-9) at Folkestone 2m 1f NH flat (6) gs in Feb.
Badger Foot (IRE) 11-1 (10-11) Led, headed halfway, lost place over 5f out, 13th of 16, well behind Sherwani Wolf (11-4) at Chepstow 2m NH flat (6) sft.
Lord Singer (FR) (10-5) 6th of 9, 29l behind Wynross (10-5) at Auteuil(FR) 2m 1f chs sft in Apr.
Near The Water (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, behind and ridden when badly hampered and unseated rider on bend after 3 out, in a race won by Wise Men Say (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs, 16 ran.
Pinerock (IRE) 2-1fav (11-2) Led, ridden when swerved violently left and rider lost iron and headed well over 2f out, recovered and stayed on to go 3rd inside final furlong, no impression, 3rd of 9, 11l behind French Hollow (10-13) at Market Rasen 2m 1f NH flat (5) gf in Jun.
Rigadin De Beauchene (FR) 20-1 (10-7) In touch, pushed along over 3f out, soon outpaced, 5th of 8, 33l behind King's Legacy (11-2) at Kempton 2m NH flat (4) gs in Feb.