prominent, led over 6f out, ridden over 2f out, headed 1f out, no extra
held up, headway over 6f out, weakened over 3f out
mid-division, ridden 5f out, weakened 4f out
held up, headway over 4f out, ridden, edged left over 2f out, led 1f out, stayed on well
led to over 6f out, ridden 4f out, kept on final furlong
mid-division, pushed along, lost place halfway, soon behind
mid-division, hung right bend after 3f, ridden 4f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders 10f
took keen hold, always behind
tracked leaders, went 2nd over 3f out to over 2f out, one pace final furlong
Oakapple Express, Clifford T Ward and Super Revo are obvious shortlist material in this bumper, while we should watch the market with regard to Heraldry and Just Libby. We'll go for Oakapple Express, who was straight enough to win first time up last year, and sets the standard, despite carrying a penalty. He battled well that day, and may need to again, though his pedigree suggests he can handle the cut and may be good enough. Super Revo has more to prove on the ground, but put up a decent debut at Uttoxeter in the spring and won't be far away. Clifford T Ward also debuted well, but then flopped at Ludlow on quicker ground next time. He has a bit to prove but may be helped by conditions. Keep a cautionary eye on the market for any suggestions that the Haslam and Murphy runners may go well, but without that knowledge we'll take Oakapple Express to defy a penalty.
Oakapple Express 18-1 (11-4) In touch, headway 4f out, challenged 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden out, won at Newcastle 2m nhf (H) gd beating Portavadie (11-1) by 3/4l, 21 ran.
Clifford T Ward 8-1 (11-4) Mid-division, headway 5f out, every chance 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 11th of 17, 20l behind Kate's Gift (10-13) at Ludlow 2m nhf (H) gd in Apr.
Fly Tipper Environment Friend gelding, half-brother to winners on the Flat and over hurdles.
Heraldry (IRE) Mark of Esteem gelding, half-brother to 1m4f winner Sarayah.
Super Revo 8-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, ridden 5f out, outpaced over 3f out, rallied to go 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 6l behind Don And Gerry (10-5) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (H) gf in Jun.
Tickhill Tom 40-1 (11-1) Held up, towards rear, soon weakened, 9th of 13, 26l behind Don't Push It (10-11) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (H) gd in Sept.
Just Libbi 20-1 (10-3) Always behind, 13th of 18, well behind Lady Zephyr (11-0) at Bangor 2m 1f nhf (H) gd in May '04.
Overamorous Overbury filly out of winning chaser Random Romance.
