tracked leaders, went 2nd after 7th, ridden after 3 out, kept on, always held by winner
tracked leader, joint leader 5th, led 7th, shaken up approaching last, kept on well
led until 7nth, soon ridden, one pace from after 3 out
close up, outpaced 7th, never a danger after
Zimbabwe is taken to land the spoils in this claiming hurdle at the main expense of Lunar Crystal and Hawadeth. The selection has had more than his fair share of problems but at this level he is major force and he won well last time when beating Sriology on this track. He has ground conditions to suit here and the extra distance should not be a problem so he should prove tough to beat. Lunar Crystal was disappointing when fourth behind Tora Petcha at Ludlow last time having won well previously, but off this mark it is difficult see him going in again tonight and his overall strike-rate leaves a lot to be desired. Hawadeth was well beaten at Chepstow last time but this is an ease in grade and he has won a similar race at this venue in the past. Better Moment is on good terms with himself at present and may prove best of the remainder, but Zimbabwe has solid claims and gets our vote.
Lunar Crystal (IRE) 7-4fav (10-13) Tracked leaders, chased leaders 3 out, one pace approaching last, 4th of 5, 6l behind Tora Petcha (10-6) at Ludlow 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gf in Apr.
Hawadeth 12-1 (10-11) Always in the rear, 9th of 10, 38l behind Wise Owl (10-10) at Chepstow 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Apr.
Better Moment (IRE) 7-2fav (11-6) Pressed leader, narrow lead from 8th, over 2 lengths clear 3 out, ridden and pressed 2 out, kept on well to assert flat, won at Plumpton 2m 5f cnd sll hcp hdl (5) gf in Apr beating Wondersobright (10-9) by 2l, 9 ran.
City of Manchester (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Chased leaders to 3 out, 10th of 12, 27l behind Macreater (10-2) at Towcester 2m sll hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf in Apr.
Zimbabwe 6-4jt-fav (11-6) Chased leader, led 3 out, hung right from last, driven out, won at Fontwell 2m 2f sll hdl (5) gf in Apr beating Sriology (11-0) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.
