led, not always fluent, ridden and headed before 2 out, soon beaten
held up in last, not always fluent, went 3rd after 4 out, weakened from next
tracked leader, led before 2 out, clear when not fluent last, comfortably
chased leaders, not fluent 4 out, soon weakened
DEAUVILLE DANCER (NAP) has yet to ascend the heights reached on the Flat for Sir Mark Prescott but David Dennis has adopted a patient approach with his charge and he was almost certainly in need of his latest outing when a low-key fourth of seven at Worcester, a first run for nearly five months. If he can improve for the run and repeat the level shown on debut over timber when an excellent second to Winter Escape at Doncaster, he would be good enough. Vaillant Nonantais has yet to indicate he is going to prove a leading light at Seven Barrows but didn't shape too badly at Newbury in April and should progress with his racing. Il Presidente had been absent for two and half years before an acceptable return to action but may need more time whilst Golden Thread tries hurdles for the first time on the back of a fair third on the Flat at Lingfield this month.
Deauville Dancer (IRE) 4-5fav (11-0) Chased leaders, every chance 2 out, driven and no impression flat, weakened final 100 yards, 4th of 7, 6l behind Barman (11-0) at Worcester 2m mdn (5) gf in May.
Golden Thread 16-1 (9-7) Towards rear, ridden and headway entering final 2f, stayed on towards finish, 3rd of 10, 3l behind Bamako Du Chatelet (9-7) at Lingfield 1m 3f hcp (6) gd in May.
Vaillant Nonantais (FR) 20-1 (11-0) Towards rear, ridden after 3 out, stayed on from 2 out, plugged on run-in, 5th of 15, 23l behind Ozzie The Oscar (11-6) at Newbury 2m (4) gd in Apr.
Romann Angel 100-1 (10-7) Behind, headway when blundered 4 out, soon outpaced, never troubled leaders, weakened before 2 out, 5th of 8, dist behind Indy Five (11-0) at Warwick 2m 3f (4) gs in May.
Il Presidente (GER) 14-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, not fluent 5th, headway on outside 7th, challenged 3 out, 4th and weakening next, 5th of 9, 19 1/2l behind El Bandit (11-0) at Warwick 2m 5f mdn (4) gd in Apr.
Romanee Vivant 100-1 (10-5) Mid-division, pushed along after 7th, weakening when mistake 3 out, 12th of 17, dist behind Wade Harper (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 4f (4) gs in Dec.