in touch, ridden 4f out, weakened 3f out
led, ridden and headed 4f out, one pace after
prominent, chased leader 6f out, led 4f out, ridden 3f out, hard ridden 2f out, went clear final furlongm readily
in touch, ridden 4f out, weakened 3f out
held up last, headway 7f out, no impression from 3f out
towards rear, headway 5f out, ridden and chased leader 3f out, kept on one pace
held up, mid-division, headway 5f out, ridden and stayed on from 3f out, went 2nd over 2f out, no extra final furlong
mid-division, ridden and headway 4f out, stayed on well to go 2nd final furlong
chased leader, ridden and weakened 6f out, tailed off
held up, towards rear, ridden 5f out, soon weakened
towards rear, ridden 5f out, one pace from 3f out
Unless any of the smaller stables have unearthed a pearl, then Paul Nicholls will be expected to provide the winner in the shape of Iroquois Warrior, with Brave Bugsy and Budd taken to chase him home. Iroquois Warrior has not been out since contesting a class 4 bumper at Newbury in December, but is sure to have been well prepared by his astute trainer who has few peers in this sphere. Related to the useful Morgan's Harbour on the dam's side, he can pay to follow when eventually sent over the obstacles, but in the meantime, can make his mark here. Brave Bugsy was fancied at Lingfield last month, but was too keen and had nothing left for the finish. He is the main danger if he can settle better, while of the remainder, Budd did not shape too badly when fifth at Stratford and can only improve for the experience. Timmy Murphy is an eye-catching booking for newcomer Creswell Ruby, and any market support would be interesting, but Iroquois Warrior will be a popular choice in the finale, and gets our vote.
Belsay Castle 33-1 (11-0) Held up, towards rear, some headway 7f out, never troubled leaders, 9th of 12, 15l behind Simonside (10-11) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (6) gd in Sept.
Brave Bugsy (IRE) 3-1fav (11-0) Keen, mid-division, headway over 5f out, every chance over 2f out, one pace, 3rd of 12, 7l behind Outlandish (11-0) at Lingfield 2m nhf (6) gf in Sept.
Iroquois Warrior (IRE) 25-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened, 7th of 22, 37l behind Crocodiles Rock (11-4) at Newbury 2m nhf (4) sft in Dec.
Joshuas Vista 66-1 (10-10) Mid-division, ridden 5f out, soon weakened, 10th of 13, 48l behind Gansey (11-4) at Wincanton 2m mdn nhf (6) sft in Mar.
Mr Joe Platinum (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden 4f out, weakened 3f out, 9th of 10, 29l behind Won More Night (10-7) at N Abbot 2m 1f mdn nhf (6) gf in Jul.
Budd 80-1 (10-0) Mid-division, headway over 6f out, weakened well over 1f out, 5th of 13, 11l behind Wychwoods Legend (10-0) at Stratford 2m nhf (5) gf in Sept.
Cresswell Ruby (IRE) Rashar mare out of Vam Cas.
Flamehairtemptress Dancing Spree filly out of It's Been Jilted.
Piccaline 50-1 (10-0) Towards rear, headway over 5f out, hung left from over 2f out, weakened, 9th of 12, 16l behind Outlandish (11-0) at Lingfield 2m nhf (6) gf in Sept.
Well Blessed 33-1 (10-8) Never a factor, 7th of 9, 44l behind Fiddle (10-8) at Warwick 2m mrs nhf (5) sft in Mar.
Wildlife 66-1 (10-11) Prominent for 6f, 14th of 15, well behind Forest Pennant (11-4) at Kempton 2m nhf (6) gs in Feb.
