behind, pushed along and no chance final 3f
led, pushed along over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, unable to quicken
chased leaders, pushed along over 3f out, soon weakened, tailed off
always in rear, ridden and struggling final 7f, tailed off
took keen hold, held up behind leaders, went 2nd 5f out, ridden to challenge and edged left over 1f out, led when veered left inside final furlong, kept on well
close up, saddled slipped and rider lost irons after 3f, stayed prominent, out of control after, continued
chased leader to 5f out, pushed along and weakened 2f out
held up in rear, steady headway from 3f out, went 3rd inside final furlong and kept on well
This looks quite a weak bumper so the Paul Nicholls representative SLATE GEM is given the nod over Knar Mardy and M'lady Eliza. The yard do well in these type of events and this newcomer will not have to be anything special to make a winning racecourse bow. The market will provide the clues but if he is supported then it could pay to take the hint. Knar Mardy hails from the Nicky Henderson yard who also do well in bumpers, and this filly shaped with promise on her debut when she finished fifth behind Basford Lady. She was only a cheap purchase but she was well backed that day and it will be interesting to see if she can build on it. M'lady Eliza is a well-bred filly and the yard are in decent form so she is another to consider. Dormouse has had a few chances and is probably one to swerve. We will stick with Slate Gem to land the finale.
Robin De Paques (FR) Northern Crystal gelding out of Relayeuse.
Dormouse 7-2fav (10-6) Held up, headway over 6f out, every chance over 3f out, soon ridden, one pace final 2f, 5th of 8, 8l behind Miss Nightshade (10-4) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f NH flat (6) gf in Apr.
Geneva (FR) Rainbow Quest gelding out of Gracious Line.
Ninogaro (FR) 14-1 (10-10) In touch until veered left over 7f out, soon behind, last of 8, 33l behind Miss Nightshade (10-4) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f NH flat (6) gf in Apr.
Slate Gem (IRE) Amilynx gelding out of Free Flowing.
Chaser's War (IRE) 66-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, headway 7f out, weakened quickly 2f out, 9th of 11, 12l behind Aohna (10-3) at Lingfield 2m NH flat (6) hvy in Mar.
Knar Mardy 11-8fav (10-7) Held up, headway over 4f out, pushed along and one pace final 2f, 5th of 12, 20l behind Basford Lady (10-12) at Cheltenham 2m 1f N H flat (4) gd in Apr.
M'lady Eliza Mtoto filly out of Starboard Tack.