led sole rival, came clear after 3 out, canter
tracked sole rival, not always fluent, pushed along and well held after mistake 3 out
Nonrunner
PILANSBERG has only won a weak contest at Fakenham so far but recent efforts in defeat at Kempton and Ascot suggest he’s back on an upward trajectory and he’ll be fancied to give Paul Nicholls a quick double. Eaton Hill had been going well prior to pulling up last month at Uttoxeter with his defeat of Mount Mews at Wetherby in January reading well. He’s unlikely to go down without a fight but Hab Sab is likely to be outclassed.
Pilansberg 7-2jfav (11-2) Held up in mid-division, headway tracking leaders 3 out, 4th before next, went 2nd 2 out, hung and and carried left last, carried left run-in, soon every chance, not go through with effort, 2nd of 10, 1 3/4l behind Dell' Arca (11-7) at Ascot 3m hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Hab Sab (IRE) 100-1 (11-3) Took keen hold in mid-division, weakened over 5f out,, 11th of 14, dist behind Captain Mcgarry (11-3) at Kempton 2m mdn (5) gd in Mar.
Eaton Hill (IRE) 6-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 4 out, weakened after 3 out, 4th when mistake 2 out, pulled up before last, at Uttoxeter 2m 4f (4) sft in Mar.
