tracked leaders, effort when not clear run over 3f out, headway to chase leader over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace under pressure, no chance with winner final furlong
raced keenly, led to over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
held up in rear in touch, smooth headway on inside over 3f out, shaken up to lead over 1f out, ridden clear when edged left inside final furlong, ran on well, comfortably
tracked leader, driven 3f out, ridden and lost place over 2f out, no impression final furlong
in touch on outside, outpaced over 3f out, weakened 2f out
HERDSMAN and Charminster finished first and second on their bumper debuts at Aintree and a repeat scenario is entirely possible. Philip Hobbs' horse has to concede a further 3lbs to his rival but had him comfortably held in the end and shaped as though that experience would bring him on. Well regarded, he'll do better over an obstacle in time but can complete the double before reverting to timber. Charminster was last off the bridle at Aintree which gives his supporters hope but he really does need to improve to reverse the form even on these revised terms. He's taken to prove second best before embarking on a successful career over jumps of his own, with Flaygray having to prove himself on this ground and newcomer Mr One Too likely to be better for this run.
Flaygray 16-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, led over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, won at Perth 2m NH flat (6) gf in Sep '09 beating De Bansha Man (11-4) by 4l, 12 ran.
Herdsman (IRE) 7-2fav (11-0) In touch, headway on outside 6f out, soon tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, won at Aintree 2m 1f NH flat (4) gs in Oct beating Charminster (10-11) by 3 1/2l, 17 ran.
A Patchy Dancer (IRE) 22-1 (11-4) Prominent, ridden 4f out, every chance 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 15, 24l behind Rose Of The Moon (11-4) at Uttoxeter 2m NH flat (6) hvy in Oct.
Charminster (IRE) 8-1 (10-11) In touch on inside, chased leaders over 4f out, effort 3f out, challenged over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on, no impression inside final furlong, 2nd of 17, 3 1/2l behind Herdsman (11-0) at Aintree 2m 1f NH flat (4) gs in Oct.
Forcefield 25-1 (10-6) Tracked leader, chased winner over 3f out, one pace, 2nd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Skipper Robin (10-6) at Perth 2m NH flat (5) sft in Apr.
Mr One Too (IRE) Mr Combustible gelding out of Too Back.
