led to 2nd, prominent, led 8th to 10th, weakened approaching 4 out
chased leaders, went 2nd 8th, led 10th, hard ridden and kept on well flat until caught last strides
chased leaders, led 6th to 8th, ridden and lost place after 10th, tailed off
always in rear, tailed off
held up in mid-division, headway to track leaders 10th, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace and 3rd when hit last
jumped left, led 2nd, headed 6th, mistake next, soon lost place, behind when blundered 11th, tailed off when pulled up after 2 out
in touch, lost place 7th, last and struggling 11th, tailed off
mid-division, ridden 9th, blundered 12th, weakened under pressure 4 out
in rear, blundered 5th, hit 7th, headway approaching 4 out, stayed on well from last, not reached leaders
mid-division, lost place 10th, weakened and blundered 12th, pulled up before next
held up in rear, steady headway 12th, went 3rd before 3 out, chased leader 2 out, hard ridden and stayed on well flat, led final strides
MR BIG is our pick in this handicap chase; the list of dangers is headed by Ammunition and Free Gift. The selection arrives here in great form and the manner of his win last time when he beat Samsbro marked him down as one to stay on the right side of. He has conditions to suit and he still looks to be on a very fair mark so he sets the standard for the others. Ammunition should be spot-on for this after a couple of runs this year, and he went close last time when chasing home Miss Pross. This step-up in trip is a big plus, but his best form is on a soft surface and for that reason we will take him on. Free Gift was far from disgraced last time, the drop in trip should suit and he looks to be on a fair mark so a case can certainly be made for him. Sesame Rambler has won over the course and distance so he should have no problems with this shorter trip. He also arrives here in good heart after a good run last time when he chased home Rebel Melody here. Victor Dartnell's The Venetian is another to consider at longer odds, but Mr Big has rock solid claims and gets the vote.
Sprosser (IRE) 4-1fav (11-9) Held up towards rear, hampered 6th, headway 12th, weakened before 3 out, 6th of 12, well behind Ferimon (11-8) at Fakenham 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Jan.
I Hear Thunder (IRE) 4-1 (10-6) Held up, headway after 10th, ridden 4 out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 7, 20l behind Hello Bud (11-12) at Wincanton 3m 3f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gd in Apr.
Which Pocket (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Prominent, chased leader approaching 8th, led briefly before next, weakened after 3 out, 6th of 11, 22l behind Midnight Sail (11-6) at Stratford 2m 6f nov hdl (3) gd in Apr.
Free Gift 7-1 (11-3) Held up, headway 13th, went 2nd next, ridden after 4 out, always being held by winner, 2nd of 5, 13l behind Fire And Rain (11-9) at Kempton 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Apr.
Mr Big (IRE) 4-1 (10-10) Tracked leaders, mistake 10th, went 2nd 5 out, led 3 out, pushed clear last, won at Chepstow 3m hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd in Apr beating Samsbro (11-10) by 7l, 14 ran.
The Venetian (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Led until 6th, led 12th until 14th, weakening when hampered 4 out, tailed off, 6th of 12, well behind Freeline Fury (10-3) at Newton Abbot 3m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Apr.
Ammunition (IRE) 11-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, pushed along after 3 out, switched left after last, kept on to take 2nd near finish, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Miss Pross (11-11) at Towcester 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Apr.
Sesame Rambler (IRE) 13-2 (11-4) Chased winner throughout, tried to close before 3 out, no impression soon after, 2nd of 6, 12l behind Rebel Melody (11-12) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd in Apr.
Midnight Haze 12-1 (11-3) Led to after 3rd, close up until ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 6th of 8, well behind How's Business (11-12) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Jan.
Perange (FR) 5-1 (11-3) In rear, mistake and driven 4th, never troubling after, tailed off when pulled up approaching 10th, in a race won by Killfinnan Castle (10-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Mar, 9 ran.
Sandymac (IRE) 14-1 (10-6) Held up towards rear, took closer order 7th, ridden 4 out, weakened 2 out, 8th of 10, well behind Leo McGarry (11-1) at Huntingdon 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Mar.
