tracked leader, led before 2 out, soon strongly challenged, ran on well
behind, under pressure halfway, detached when pulled up 5 out
mid-division, headway to chase leaders 5 out, never on terms
mid-division, headway to chase leaders 5 out, weakened next
chased leaders, effort 2 out, stayed on same pace
pulled hard in touch, headway after 3 out, every chance next, kept on well under pressure
in touch, effort after 3 out, never on terms
held up towards rear, well beaten when blundered 4 out, pulled up after next
held up in rear, mistake 1st, headway under pressure 2 out, soon weakened
led, mistake 5 out, headed before 2 out, weakened approaching last
behind, blundered 1st, beaten 5 out, tailed off
Berkshire Downs had been getting closer prior to stopping quickly in a handicap here last month but is now starting to look exposed. Dance Of Fire ran a little better last time at Musselburgh but, along with Picture Painter, has ground to make up on Slanelough, who was also second at this track previously. Blue Hussar has to be a threat to all as he escapes a penalty for a comfortable win in a conditionals’ race at Wetherby 10 days ago, where he was always travelling well. MAYO STAR (NAP) had decent form in bumpers, however, galloping his rivals into the ground when getting off the mark at Newcastle in December. He’s a full brother to top-class chaser Outlander so should be even better now that he has a few obstacles to negotiate.
Blue Hussar (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Tracked leader, close up 3 out, challenged next, led going well between last 2, pushed out flat, ran on, readily, won at Wetherby 2m (4) gs in Mar beating Master Of Finance (11-6) by 2 1/4l, 7 ran.
Crookofdevon 200-1 (10-12) Towards rear, reminders after 2nd and after 3rd, son detached, tailed off, pulled up, at Kelso 2m (4) gs in Dec.
Dance Of Fire 33-1 (11-2) Held up behind, pushed along before 2 out, never a factor, 5th of 10, 12 3/4l behind Pot Committed (11-9) at Musselburgh 2m 3f (4) gd in Mar.
Lastin' Memories 100-1 (11-1) Held up in touch, pushed along before 3 out, went 3rd before last, one pace, 3rd of 7, 15l behind Reivers Lad (11-7) at Kelso 2m (4) hvy in Mar.
Mayo Star (IRE) 11-8fav (11-0) Made all, ridden and in command over 1f out, ridden clear final furlong, won at Newcastle 2m (6) sft in Dec beating Notnow Seamus (11-0) by 3 3/4l, 13 ran.
Slanelough (IRE) 3-1 (11-2) Soon towards rear, headway 3 out, went 3rd from last, kept on and went 2nd run-in, just held on for 2nd place, held by winner, 2nd of 10, 1 1/4l behind Pot Committed (11-9) at Musselburgh 2m 3f (4) gd in Mar.
Tolethorpe 5-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders, led 3f out, clear final 2f, easily, won at Huntingdon 2m (6) sft in Mar beating Piton Pete (11-2) by 11l, 4 ran.
Witness Time (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd, left in lead 5 out, headed before 3 out, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened, 5th of 8, 34 1/2l behind Reivers Lad (11-12) at Newcastle 2m (4) hvy in Mar.
Il Sassicaia 9-4 (8-12) Dwelt close up, pushed along over 4f out, kept on inside final furlong, never dangerous, 3rd of 5, 7 1/4l behind Khismet (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 2f stks (6) pol in Apr.
Picture Painter (IRE) 50-1 (10-8) Behind, ridden before 2 out, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 15 1/4l behind Pot Committed (11-9) at Musselburgh 2m 3f (4) gd in Mar.
Berkshire Downs 7-2jfav (11-5) Tracked leaders, quickly weakened before 2 out, tailed off and pulled up, at Kelso 2m 5f hcp (4) hvy in Mar.
Jammy Moment 7-1 (9-9) Very reluctant to race and literally refused to race, well behind, soon on tail of group, weakened 2f out, last of 7, dist behind Western Prince (9-1) at Musselburgh 1m 6f hcp (5) gd in Sep.