chased leaders, in 5th and pushed along when blundered badly 12th, soon pulled up
chased leaders, reminder after 6th, soon chased leader, weakened approaching 3 out
chased leaders, pushed along approaching 11th, weakened approaching 4 out, soon pulled up
held up in touch, weakened approaching 11th, soon pulled up
held up, in rear when fell 9th
held up towards rear, headway approaching 4 out, went 2nd approaching 2 out, led approaching last, kept on well
led to 3 out, weakened approaching last
held up mid-division, in rear and pushed along from 10th, kept on from last, kept on
A tough race to call because plenty have claims here and we just favour ROSENEATH to have the edge over Thai Vango, Lord Brunello and Grenoli. The last-named won by a huge margin at Southwell last time and looks to be an obvious choice, but wins that look too good to be true often are, and it its hard to put a marker on the form. What is certain is that the handicapper did not miss it and has raised him 17lbs for the victory, so it might just be the percentage call to take him on. Lord Brunello has yet to win in six starts, but has made the frame four times. So far in his short career he has appeared to lack gears, but he acts with cut and is not without a chance. Thai Vango is 3lbs better off with our pick for a one-length reversal when they met over course and distance in February and can go well when fresh, so he looks a serious threat once again, while Arctic Shadow has ability at this level but appears to be in need of a drop in the weights. None of the others are no-hopers and would have claims if able to produce their best, but we can select only one and that one is Roseneath.
Darn Hot 4-1fav (10-10) Chased leader, mistake 2nd, behind after next, pulled up after 5th, in a race won by City Heights (10-10) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Apr, 13 ran.
Arctic Shadow 3-1 (11-4) Several slow jumps, led until after 7th, reminders when lost 2nd 9th, jumped left and weakened next, went left 4 out, mistake 3 out, 3rd of 4, well behind Brave Rebellion (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Mar.
Pantalaimon 6-1 (11-8) Always prominent, challenged 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Go West (11-9) at Warwick 3m hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd in Mar.
Thai Vango (IRE) 12-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, led 11th, ridden last, kept on until headed, no extra final 75 yards, 2nd of 13, 1l behind Roseneath (10-13) at Huntingdon 3m 5yo nov hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Porta Vogie (IRE) 10-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, not fluent 8th, jumped slowly 10th, lost place 11th, rallied 2 out, soon no impression, 4th of 12, 11l behind Radetsky March (11-11) at Uttoxeter 2m 5f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in Apr.
Lord Brunello (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Led to 3rd, remained close up, led briefly after 2 out, one pace, 2nd of 3, 9l behind Darstardly Dick (11-0) at Stratford 2m 5f beg chase (4) gf in Mar.
Roseneath (IRE) 3-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, headway 12th, disputed 2nd 4 out, outpaced next, kept on from last, no extra near finish, 3rd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Seven Is Lucky (11-10) at Carlisle 3m nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) hvy in Apr.
Grenoli (FR) 9-2fav (9-7) Led from 2nd, clear from 12th, eased flat, easily, won at Southwell 3m 2f 5yo nov hcp (4) gd in Apr beating Tanners Court (11-7) by 36l, 10 ran.
Sycho Fred (IRE) 9-1 (10-7) Led 3rd until approaching 7th, led approaching 12th until before 4 out, not fluent 2 out, weakened last, 5th of 13, 23l behind Panama At Once (11-0) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Apr.
