led, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
held up, never dangerous
held up, some headway over 4f out, never a factor
held up in touch, pulled hard, headway 5f out, weakened over 3f out
behind, headway over 3f out, never on terms
tracked leaders, effort over 4f out, weakened over 3f out
behind, headway over 6f out, weakened over 3f out
mid-division, lost place 10f out
pulled hard, held up, headway over 5f out, weakened over 3f out
chased leaders, ridden and hung badly left over 2f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, headway halfway, weakened over 4f out
prominent, weakened over 3f out
held up mid-division, steady headway from halfway, led 2f out, driven clear, easily
chased leaders, lost place halfway
held up, some headway over 4f out, never on terms
held up mid-division, weakened over 4f out
A large field goes to post for this bumper to close the card and the vote is given to Botaldor who is preferred to Atouchbetweenacara and Supreme Melody. This race does not look to have a great deal of strength in depth and this well-bred French recruit who hails from a top yard should be good enough to get his head in front at the first attempt. Atouchbetweenacara rates the main danger as this 6-year-old hails from a yard in top form but his trainer believes that he will be seen to better effect over a longer trip in time and for that reason he is opposed. Supreme Melody is related to some decent jumpers but again she may do better over further and her yard's runners are a bit hit and miss at present. Oshkosh is from the Kim Bailey yard who are flying so he may now fare better than he did on his debut at Warwick when he could only finish in mid-division. The market may provide some clues here but we are happy to nominate Alan King's Botaldor to lead them home.
Atouchbetweenacara (IRE) (12-0) fell 3 out in race won by Brokenheartedclown (12-0) at Lemonfield 3m ire ptp gd in Mar, 13 ran.
Bishy Barnaby (IRE) Flemensfirth gelding out of Brief Gaiety.
Botaldor (FR) Indian River horse, half-brother to winners on the Flat and over fences.
Freddy's Star (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, some headway over 4f out, soon beaten, 7th of 14, 14l behind Private Note (11-2) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
Georgedoubleyou (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) Held up, headway on outside over 4f out, went 3rd 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 14, 15l behind Chaim (11-1) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) hvy in Oct.
Inspired Forever (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Lost touch halfway, 10th of 11, well behind Seven Is My Number (11-4) at Ascot 2m nhf (1) gs in Dec.
Khumbu 20-1 (10-11) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 13, 13l behind Lodge Lane (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) hvy in Dec.
Lucozade 25-1 (11-0) Mid-division, outpaced 6f out, headway and hung left over 1f out, no impression, 3rd of 15, 19l behind Annie's Answer (10-7) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gd in May.
Munnings Touch (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Took keen hold, soon in touch, ridden over 3f out and soon weakened, 12th of 22, 47l behind Crocodiles Rock (11-4) at Newbury 2m nhf (4) sft in Dec.
Stormylad 100-1 (10-7) In touch to halfway, ridden and struggling final 6f, last of 18, well behind Imperial Commander (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m nhf (4) gs in Oct.
Sure Flame (IRE) 25-1 (10-4) Held up, clipped heels, stumbled and unseated rider in race won by Alternator (11-0) at Warwick 2m nhf (6) hvy in Dec, 19 ran.
Thats Confidential (IRE) Saddlers' Hall gelding, half-brother to 1m3f, hurdles & bumper winner Keelaghan.
Toga Party (IRE) Turtle Island gelding, half-brother to several winners in the States.
Waltham Abbey 33-1 (10-9) Prominent, weakened over 6f out, 12th of 20, well behind Den of Iniquity (11-2) at Warwick 2m nhf (6) gs in Dec.
West End King (IRE) Old Vic gelding, half-brother to numerous winners over jumps including the smart Strath Royal.
Clifton 12-1 (10-1) Tracked leaders, lost place over 8f out, headway 3f out, ridden to chase winner well over 1f out, stayed on, no impression, 2nd of 10, 10l behind Autograph (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mrs nhf (6) sft in Apr.
Otarie (FR) Lute Antique filly, half-sister to a French cross-country winner.
Supreme Melody (IRE) Supreme Leader mare, sister to several useful winners including Supreme Prince.
Galoshes Kayf Tara gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler Mercuric.
Oshkosh (IRE) 66-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner final 2f, no impression, 2nd of 20, 14l behind Den of Iniquity (11-2) at Warwick 2m nhf (6) gs in Dec.
