set steady gallop, made all, ridden 3 out, clear next, ran on
held up in touch, improved 4th, ridden 4 out, weakened 2 out, hit last
with winner until ridden and lost place approaching 3 out
held up in rear, in touch, headway and left 2nd 3 out, soon ridden and one pace, eased near finish, just held on to 2nd place
held up in last place, fell 6th
keen, tracked leaders, hit 5th and 8th, soon lost touch, pulled up soon after 4 out
in touch, every chance and close 2nd when fell 3 out
held up, ridden and headway 3 out, soon one pace
Nonrunner
This looks to be quite competitive but Caliman stands out as the most likely winner here with Alderman Rose and Girardii the others for the shortlist. The selection won well last time out and although he has a penalty for that success he seemed to score with plenty in hand and with ground conditions again to suit he is the one to beat. Alderman Rose also won well last time out but he has more on his plate today and although there may be more to come from him he is narrowly passed over. Girardii showed improved form for the step-up in trip last time so he is definitely worth considering here and he could represent some solid each-way value in the race. Another Gale could be of interest now that Evan Williams has his string in better form but Caliman looks an improving type and he is nominated to get his head in front again tonight.
Alderman Rose 16-1 (11-11) Mid-division, headway after 5th, reminders after 6th, led next, in command approaching 2 out, ridden out, won at N Abbot 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd in Apr beating No Complaint (11-8) by 7l, 14 ran.
Caliman (FR) 12-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway 9th, led 2 out, edged right flat, stayed on well, won at Fontwell 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Apr beating Ingres (11-5) by 3 1/2l, 12 ran.
Young Dude (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) In touch, lost place 6th, mistake 9th, no chance when mistake 3 out, 6th of 13, 45l behind Fieldsofclover (11-11) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in Apr.
Speed Winner (AUS) 10-1 (11-0) Held up, headway 3 out, effort approaching next, stayed on flat, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Thunder Rock (11-6) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gf in Apr.
Royal Cliche 16-1 (11-12) Held up, headway after 5th, chased leaders 4 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 15, 16l behind Miss Rideamight (10-12) at Chepstow 2m 4f sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd in Apr.
Just Stunning (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden 7th, not fluent next and weakened after 4 out, 5th of 11, well behind Ouh Jay (10-11) at Ludlow 3m mrs nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Girardii 7-1 (9-10) Held up, headway and plenty to do 3 out, chased leading pair 2 out, ran on, 3rd of 11, 10l behind Not For Diamonds (11-1) at Hereford 3m 2f cnd nov hcp hdl (5) gf in Apr.
Another Gale (IRE) 14-1 (11-8) Led until 3rd, tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, weakened next, 4th of 14, 18l behind Alderman Rose (11-11) at N Abbot 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd in Apr.