held up in touch, headway 8th, led on bit after 8th, going well approaching 2 out, ridden and headed 2 out, rallied and kept on from last
prominent, ridden after 3 out, weakened 2 out
led to 8th, soon ridden, weakened 3 out
held up in touch, lost place 5th, ridden 6th, tailed off
held up towards rear, ridden and headway 8th, one pace
always behind, tailed off from 8th
took keen hold early, chased leader until not fluent 5th, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
held up towards rear, smooth headway after 8th, chased leader 3 out, jumped well and led 2 out, hard ridden last, kept on flat
towards rear, ridden 3 out, never on terms
held up in mid-division, ridden and weakened after 8th, pulled up before last
prominent, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
Megaton, Hunting Lodge and Siber Mond are the three that catch the eye here and preference is for Megaton to follow up his recent win. Three time Flat scorer, Hunting Lodge has not won over jumps but was well backed to lose his maiden tag last time, having to settle for a close third at Plumpton. That was an improved performance and this is a race that will not take much winning so he can be thereabouts. In an open affair, Siber Mond is lightly raced and worthy of respect having finished third at Worcester and Warwick recently. He looks capable of improvement as he gains experience and is sure to go close. After a good third at Huntingdon, Megaton lost his maiden tag with a resolute success at Exeter. He looks progressive as he is only lightly raced and will appreciate the rain staying awa6y. Megaton can prove to big an obstacle for his rivals.
Explosive Fox (IRE) 7-1 (11-3) Clear from 2nd, hit 6th, weakening when headed after 8th and pulled up 3 out in race won by Ballyfitz (10-12) at Towcester 3m nov hdl (E) gd in Oct, 10 ran.
Megaton 7-2fav (11-12) In touch, tracked leaders 5th, led 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on well, won at Exeter 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf beating Barathea Blue (11-12) by 2l, 8 ran.
Froghole Flyer 9-2 (11-3) Chased leaders to 3rd, soon behind, 6th of 10, 47l behind Borehill Joker (10-11) at Towcester 2m ldy hcp hdl (4) sft.
Hunting Lodge (IRE) 8-1 (10-9) Held up well in rear, shaken up and still plenty to do 3 out, headway between last 2, ran on flat, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Canni Thinkaar (10-0) at Plumpton 2m 5f amt hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf.
Rathlin Island 5-1 (10-12) Tracked winner, ridden to lead briefly last, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 6, hd behind Catch The Perk (11-1) at Hexham 3m nov hdl (E) gf in Sept.
Come What Augustus 10-1 (10-3) Held up, headway to chase leader 7th, led briefly approaching 2 out, jumped right last 2, not quicken under pressure, 4th of 8, 16l behind Macmar (11-0) at Wincanton 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
El Corredor (IRE) 6-1 (10-8) Mid-division, ridden, headway on inside approaching 2 out, weakened flat, 7th of 15, 9l behind Lorient Express (10-7) at Exeter 2m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gs in Apr.
Silber Mond 5-2 (10-10) Mid-division, no impression on leaders after 7th, never dangerous, 3rd of 9, 21l behind Broken Reed (11-2) at Worcester 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gf in Apr.
