held up and keen in touch, weakened 4f out
held up, headway on inside over 4f out, led over 2f out, challenged final furlong, ran on gamely
held up rear, headway 7f out to chase leaders, weakened 2f out
tracked leaders, driven along halfway, weakened over 2f out
held up in rear on outside, headway 7f out, every chance final furlong, no extra
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out
White Gate holds arguably the best bumper form ahead of Exuberance, Onefourfun and Debauchery, however there are some interesting newcomers in opposition today and whilst support for any of them should be noted, the tentative vote goes Tom George's ex-pointer White Gate. The selection finished two and a half lengths in front of Carl Llewellyn's Debauchery when both were soundly beaten by the classy Carlitos at Sandown, however both should improve on that run and whilst the Llewellyn stable is in fine form, there appears to be no obvious reason for his gelding to reverse the placings. The selection showed up for a long way in that contest and on the forecast heavy ground, he should appreciate the greater emphasis on stamina. Greenbridge is an interesting newcomer for the Alan King stable, as is Peter Bowen's ex-pointer Ardagh Lord who could go well at a big price with the assistance of the capable Tom O'Brien. Also of interest could be Charlie Longsdon's Onefourfun who ran a pleasing debut when second to Platin Grounds over course and distance twelve days ago, and if improving on that fair form he should also be in the shake-up. Henrietta Knight's Exuberance eventually got the hang of things when staying for third late in the day at Uttoxeter last month, and although that form has been let down by the first two, he can go very close if showing expected improvement. However, in what looks a competitively tricky finale, we tentatively return to Tom George's Irish point winner for our idea of the winner.
Ardagh Lord (IRE) (12-0) In touch to 3 out, 6th of 13, 27l behind Stonecarthy (12-0) at Ballingarry 3m ire ptp frm in Jun.
Bidoski 80-1 (10-7) Always in rear, 14th of 15, well behind Platin Grounds (10-9) at Hereford 2m 1f mdn nhf (6) gs.
Cave Hill (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Prominent, going easily, led before last, won at Loughbrickland 3m ire ptp sft in Apr beating Newlands Miner (12-0) by 2l, 13 ran.
Debauchery (IRE) 9-1 (11-0) In touch, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace, 5th of 12, 10l behind Carlitos (10-7) at Sandown 2m nhf (6) gf.
Exuberance (IRE) 12-1 (11-1) Chased leaders, ran green from over 2f out, stayed on, 3rd of 14, 10l behind Chaim (11-1) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) hvy in Oct.
Greenbridge (IRE) Luso gelding, half-brother to winning jumper Wages.
It's A Roll Over 150-1 (11-1) In touch until weakened halfway, last of 15, well behind Three Guesses (11-4) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) gs.
Joke Club 25-1 (10-12) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 12th of 22, 18l behind The Cool Guy (10-11) at Aintree 2m 1f nhf Grd 2 (A) gs in Apr '05.
Onefourfun (IRE) 12-1 (10-7) In touch, chased winner over 3f out, soon beaten, 2nd of 15, 8l behind Platin Grounds (10-9) at Hereford 2m 1f mdn nhf (6) gs.
White Gate (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, chased winner 3f out until over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 10l behind Carlitos (10-7) at Sandown 2m nhf (6) gf.
Imperial Amber Emperor Fountain filly, half-sister to to numerous winners up to 1m4f and over jumps.
Gracie Beach 28-1 (10-2) In touch and keen, weakened over 4f out, behind when pulled up in race won by Mountain Oscar (11-0) at Towcester 2m nhf (5) sft, 14 ran.
