led to 2nd, remained prominent, led 3 out, hard ridden after 2 out, not fluent last, driven out
always prominent, led 5th to 3 out, ridden 2 out, still chance when stumbled last, no extra
pulled hard, led 2nd and until after 3rd, blundered and unseated rider next
held up, not fluent 7th, soon lost touch with leaders
held up, went 3rd 7th until after 3 out, plugged on
chased leaders, led after 3rd, jumped slowly and headed 5th, weakened after next, tailed off
chased leaders until approaching 3 out, soon weakened, blundered 2 out, tailed off
held up, weakening when jumped slowly 7th, tailing off when jumped slowly next, pulled up before last
held up in touch, went moderate 3rd after 3 out, soon ridden and no impression
in rear, hampered 4th, driven along after next, tailed off approaching 7th, pulled up before 2 out
Different Class holds obvious claims in the opener and gets the vote ahead of Absolutelythebest and Ballybough Billy. Different Class stands out based on his Towcester win from Irish Guard and is the one to beat. Absolutelythebest was fourth from a mark of 94 in a handicap last time when fitted with first-time cheekpieces. It tells you something about this race when that type of form will probably be good enough to earn him some money today. Of the others, Gone Missing is a recent point winner that had shown little in four runs under Rules prior to that, and Ballybough Billy has shown promise in two bumper efforts. However, Different Class could prove to be just that today.
Different Class (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) In touch, went 2nd after 5th, ridden and edged right after 2 out, led soon after last, driven out, won at Towcester 2m nov hdl (4) sft in May beating Irish Guard (11-0) by 1l, 15 ran.
Absolutelythebest (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Held up, headway after 7th, soon ridden, stayed on from 2 out, 4th of 8, 2 1/2l behind Megaton (11-12) at Exeter 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf in May.
Ballybough Billy (IRE) 11-8fav (11-2) Led and keen, ridden over 3f out, soon headed and weakened, 4th of 5, 15l behind Timetoring (10-7) at Ludlow 2m nhf (5) gd in May.
Benbridge 100-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway 4th, weakened 3 out, 9th of 16, well behind Pseudonym (11-4) at Hereford 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gf.
Gone Missing 4-1 (12-0) Bhnd til stdy prog 15; lft 2nd 3 out; led last; drvn out, won at Upcott Cross 3m ptp gd in May beating Loup du Sud (12-0) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
Gumlayloy 8-1 (12-0) Held up & bhnd; hdwy 11; wknd 2 out, 3rd of 11, 14l behind Maire De Beaulieu (12-0) at Bredwardine 3m ptp gd in May.
Noscar (FR) 33-1 (10-11) Prominent, weakened quickly over 4f out, tailed off when virtually pulled up final 2f, 10th of 11, well behind Bartercard (10-8) at Plumpton 2m 2f nhf (6) gf in May.
Brendan's Surprise 66-1 (10-5) Mid-division, ridden and effort 6th, one pace from 3 out, 5th of 12, 14l behind Brads House (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f 4yo nov hdl (4) gd in May.
