held up last, reminder after 7th, headway on outside next, chased leading pair 9th, ridden before went 2nd 4 out, led well before next, joined 2 out, strongly pressed last, stayed on gamely to assert final 110 yards
led, headed 4 out and dropped to 3rd, ridden and rallied to chase winner 3 out, every chance last, found no extra final 110 yards
disputed 2nd, definite 2nd 3rd, went right 5th, lost 2nd next and reminders, went 2nd again 8th, led 4 out, headed well before next, lost 2nd 3 out, weakened next
disputed 2nd place until hit 3rd, chased leading pair, went 2nd again 6th until 8th, ridden and weakened before 4 out, tailed off
It's difficult to make a case for Speedy Bruere in this grade but LAST SHOT is certainly worth considering as he's likely to be allowed an uncontested lead in this small field. That wasn't the case at Chepstow last time but this is less competitive. Umberto D'olivate is likely to start a short-priced favourite as he's on a hat-trick after victories at Exeter and Newbury. He's got another 5lb to carry here but won't be far away. Elsafeer never threatened the odds-on Lord Navits at Southwell earlier this month and may also be found wanting here.
Umberto D'olivate (FR) 4-6fav (11-11) Led, not fluent 3rd (water), joined and pushed along 9th, blundered next, headed bypassing omitted 3 out and dropped to 3rd, soon ridden, left 2nd 2 out, stayed on to challenge approaching last, led soon after, driven clear flat, won at Newbury 2m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) hvy in Feb beating Stone Light (11-1) by 5l, 3 ran.
Last Shot (FR) 10-1 (10-4) Led until 1st, prominent, ridden after 5th, weakened 3 out, 7th of 9, 35l behind Poole Master (10-8) at Chepstow 2m hcp chs (2) hvy in Feb.
Speedy Bruere (FR) 5-2fav (11-5) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 4th, not fluent and rider lost iron briefly 6th, lost 2nd 10th, outpaced 4 out, stopped quickly from next and pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Freckle Face (11-5) at Towcester 2m 3f hcp chs 0-120 (4) hvy in Feb, 6 ran.
Elsafeer (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) In rear and in touch, chased winner before 3 out, kept on and no impression, 2nd of 4, 9l behind Lord Navits (10-7) at Southwell 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft.
