set moderate pace, ridden and headed 2f out, soon beaten
took keen hold, disputed 2nd until over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
held up in close 4th, went 2nd over 3f out, shaken up to lead 2f out, soon in command and clear
Sunnyhill Boy can make a winning debut in a poor finale, with Lygon Legend perhaps the one to give him most to do. The fast ground has no doubt been a big factor in the defection of most here, with just four of the original 26-declared standing their ground, and it looks as though Sunnyhill Boy will be a very short price indeed. Jonjo O'Neill's four-year-old is by Old Vic and is related to plenty of winners, so need not be anything special to come good at the first time of asking. Lygon Legend will at least come on for his fifth of eight in a Ludlow bumper last month, while Shampers and Site Sentry have each seen the racecourse before. None make any appeal from a betting point of view though, and we return to Sunnyhill Boy as the selection.
Lygon Legend 28-1 (11-2) Held up, effort over 3f out, no impression on leaders, 5th of 8, 14l behind Hold Em (11-9) at Ludlow 2m nhf (5) gf in Oct.
Shampers 40-1 (10-11) Held up in last, pushed along 3f out, went 4th, not on terms over 2f out, never dangerous, 4th of 7, 11l behind Flemish Invader (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (5) gs in Oct.
Site Sentry (IRE) 40-1 (10-12) Mid-division, outpaced over 3f out, stayed on again from over 1f out, 7th of 14, 10l behind Turbo Linn (10-12) at Lingfield 1m 5f nhf (6) pol.
Sunnyhillboy (IRE) Old Vic gelding, half-brother to several winners over jumps and in bumpers.
