chased leader and always clear of rest, pushed along after 3 out, led well before 2 out, easily
raced keenly, ridden and headed well before 2 out, soon beaten
chased leaders in 4th, weakened 9th
mistake 3rd, behind, tailed off when blundered 7th, pulled up 3 out
always last, struggling 6th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out
chased clear leading pair, outpaced and no chance from 3 out
Il Penseroso is a strong fancy here with Hot Plunge the obvious danger. The selection has shown no real worth while form since coming over from Ireland where he did manage to win a hunters chase at Tramore last season. He has been running over a lot further than this of late and back at the minimum trip he could be a different horse. Hot Plunge will be the likely favourite but since winning a hunters chase at Hereford last year his form under rules has been poor. He did win between the flags unchallenged last time out so if confidence is restored he could be a threat. Wings Of Hope is the only other possible winner but he has been soundly beaten in similar races of late so for the winner we return to Il Penseroso.
Hot Plunge 9-4fav (12-7) Led frm 4; in comm 3 out; unchall, won at Peper Harow 3m ptp frm beating Indoux (12-8) by 30l, 7 ran.
Il Penseroso (IRE) 9-1 (10-10) Led, headed 3 out, ridden and weakened next, 7th of 11, 37l behind Drumossie (10-6) at Sedgefield 2m sll hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in Apr.
Ard Solus (IRE) 10-1 (12-7) A last; t.o & pulled up at the last in race won by Sheriff's Friend (12-7) at Aldington 3m ptp gd in Apr, 5 ran.
Bound To Be Light 8-1 (12-5) 2nd when unseated rider at the 3rd in race won by Aslapoftheeuro (12-5) at Parham 3m ptp frm in Apr, 4 ran.
Willy Furnley (IRE) 5-1 (12-0) Held up; lost tch aft 3 out; pulled up in race won by No Way A Lady (11-7) at Stafford Cross 3m ptp gd, 8 ran.
Wings of Hope (IRE) 10-1 (10-2) Led, headed 9th, soon ridden and weakened, 6th of 12, 23l behind Dun An Doras (10-1) at N Abbot 2m 5f hcp hts chs (4) gf.
