mid-division, hampered on bend over 9f out, driven along 3f out, stayed on same pace final 2f
held up, pushed along 4f out, effort on inside and driven along over 2f out, one pace
close up until tried to run out on bend over 9f out, rear and never in race after, tailed off
chased leader, ridden and lost 2nd 2f out, soon one pace
set steady pace, headed over 1f out, no chance with winner
in touch, ridden and weakened over 3f out, tailed off
chased leaders until weakened over 3f out, tailed off
held up in touch, weakened over 4f out, soon tailed off
held up in rear, smooth headway over 3f out, went 2nd on outside 2f out, led over 1f out, soon clear
took keen hold, held up, pushed along over 4f out, soon struggling, tailed off
chased leaders, driven along 4f out, weakened 3f out
The form standard set by sole winner Maderson Blue is unspectacular and we will take a chance on one of the newcomers, namely ZARRAFAKT. Some interesting debutants in the line-up however the majority will need more time and further before winning. Aberdale is a half-brother to The Jolly Spoofer who runs earlier in the card, General Simara's relations were winning point-to-pointers, whilst National Obsession is a fairly well-bred son of Bob Back but again is likely to need a longer trip; the market will help guide to expectations there. Richard Johnson catches the eye riding Would I Lie To You, whilst Genies Lamp is a well-related filly and the stable does have winners in this sphere. The winning point-to-pointer King Raven needs a degree of respect as well, but it is Zarrafakt who receives the vote. Emma Lavelle's Rudimentary gelding is related to some smart sorts, a few of which were able to win bumpers, and indeed he is out of a dam that was placed in this sphere. He gets the nomination in the finale.
Maderson Blue (IRE) 15-2 (11-3) Always prominent, went 2nd 3f out, led 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m mdn nhf (6) gf in Jun beating Allonby Bay (10-12) by 4l, 11 ran.
Aberdale (IRE) Oscar gelding out of Some News.
General Simara Baryshnikov gelding out of Hinton Bairn.
King Raven (IRE) (12-0) won at Killeagh 3m ire ptp hvy in Jan beating Montana Grande (12-0) by 2l, 12 ran.
National Obsession (IRE) Bob Back gelding out of Retinue.
Our George Groom Dancer gelding out of Crystal Flite.
Tram Express (FR) 12-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, headway 7f out, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 42l behind Sparrow Hills (10-13) at Southwell 2m nhf (5) gd in Oct.
Would I Lie To You Bahamian Bounty gelding out of Pallas Athene.
Zarrafakt (IRE) Rudimentary gelding out of Carrick Glen.
Dawn Till Dusk (IRE) Presenting filly out of Reigning Again.
Genies Lamp (IRE) Snurge filly out of Kyle Lamp.
Normandy Landings Alflora horse out of Hinemoa.
