slow jump 1st, always rear, well behind 2 out
mid-division, weakened approaching 2 out,
towards rear, headway approaching 2 out, weakening when blundered last
in touch, went 2nd 7th to 2 out, weakened between last 2
always behind, struggling 7th, well behind 2 out
keen hold, mistake 1st, always rear, tailed off
mid-division, headway and hit 2 out, soon chasing leaders, led last, driven and held on near finish all out,
chased leaders, hit 4th, went 2nd 3 out, led between last 2, headed last, rallied well under pressure towards finish, just failed
in touch on inside until mistake and lost place 7th, headway to chase leaders approaching last, kept on run-in
mid-division, hung left on bend between last 2, beaten when hit last
tracked leader, led 7th, headed between last 2, weakened quickly
took keen hold, in touch, mistake 2 out and soon weakened
held up towards rear, headway approaching last, stayed on run-in, nearest finish
slow jump 1st, led, headed 7th, soon weakened
mid-division on outside, mistake 7th, behind from next
A big enough field for what is not a hot maiden to open the card, and the principals look to be The Very Man, Merlin's Magic and Doran's Express, while there are a couple of intersting newcomers. Our selection here is The Very Man, who steps up in trip to 2m 4f, and that should suit. The gelding makes his debut for Jonjo O'Neill after showing decent form in bumpers and maiden hurdles in Ireland. There is no reason why he shouldn't handle genuine good ground and his experience can count here. Merlin's Magic should not be far away if he can repeat or even improve on his recent outing in Market Rasen novices' hurdle, and he is also proven with cut in the ground. Doran's Express is probably one for further in the future as he needs to improve markedly on what he achieved first time. Of the debutantes A French Horse, from the Venetia Williams yard, and Oh Crick, sent out by Alan King are worth noting, but for today preference is for The Very Man.
A French Horse (FR) Astarabad gelding, half-brother to winning bumper There Is No Doubt.
Buala Bos (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Behind until moderate late headway, never in contention, 9th of 14, 20l behind Theft (10-2) at Kempton 2m nhf (5) gd in Mar.
By George (IRE) 25-1 (11-4) Behind, stayed on final 2f, never really in contention, 7th of 22, 22l behind Helens Vision (10-8) at Newbury 2m nhf (5) gs in Mar.
Doran's Express (IRE) 40-1 (10-11) Mid-division, headway approaching 5th, ridden 7th, no impression after, 4th of 7, 29l behind Levitski (11-11) at Fontwell 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gf in Sept.
Double Magnum 100-1 (10-13) Prominent, weakened before 4th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Glinton (11-9) at Towcester 2m nov hdl (3) hvy in Jan, 14 ran.
Francis Dunstan (IRE) 33-1 (11-2) Held up, headway 6f out, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened, 7th of 9, 36l behind Oberon Moon (11-2) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) gd in Apr.
Master Medic (IRE) (12-0) Fell in race won by Portraitist (12-0) at Boulta 3m ire ptp sft in Nov, 15 ran.
Merlin's Magic (FR) 20-1 (10-12) In touch, challenged 2 out, soon ridden and every chance, kept on flat, just held, 2nd of 14, hd behind Onefourfun (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gf in Sept.
Mount Oscar (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Mid-division, hit 3rd, weakened 5th, 11th of 17, well behind Lindop (11-2) at Lingfield 2m mdn hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Oh Crick (FR) Nikos gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler Othermix.
Olympian (FR) 8-1 (11-2) Towards rear, brief effort 6th, no further impression, 6th of 10, 48l behind Ashwell (11-2) at Towcester 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) sft in May.
Peinture de Guerre (FR) Loco gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
The Very Man (IRE) 11-8fav (11-7) Held up in mid-division, 7th 3 out, headway after next, 2nd and ridden to challenge when slight mistake last, led closing stages, headed near finish, 2nd of 20, nk behind Hot Port (11-7) at Leopardstown 2m 2f mdn hdl sft in Dec.
War Feather 100-1 (10-12) Mid-division, ridden after 6th, behind from 7th, tailed off, 10th of 11, well behind Minaad (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gf.
Monsignorita (IRE) 11-4 (11-2) Chased leader, ridden 4f out, soon weakened, 5th of 9, 20l behind Fiddle (10-8) at Warwick 2m mrs nhf (5) sft in Mar.
