prominent, not fluent 2 out, pushed along and disputed lead last, rider dropped reins briefly on landing, ridden run-in and asserted
chased clear leaders, closed up at 4th, stumbled on rail after 5th, pushed along after 2 out, stayed on same pace
led, not fluent 5th, quickened tempo 3 out, shaken up approaching 2 out, ridden approaching last where joined, soon headed and no extra
chased clear leaders, closed up at 4th, pushed along and headway after 2 out, disputed lead last, ridden and one pace run-in
held up in rear, pushed along after 2 out, kept on, never able to challenge
Bythesametoken has come home runner-up the last twice and the Irish raider has a shout on that evidence, seemingly appreciating the return to hurdles. However, there is a question mark about quick ground and he hasn't scored over timber since March 2021. Castel Gandolfo also hasn't won since 2021 but he's kept good company and should go close with Jack Hogan claiming 5lb. Russian Virtue continues to perform with credit both on the Flat and over hurdles but similar comments are applicable to MATCHLESS and the Candlish gelding impressed with the style of his recent Doncaster success on the level.
Castel Gandolfo (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Mid-division, went second after 3 out, soon every chance, edged left under pressure flat, kept on but no match for winner, 2nd of 13, 3l behind Aggagio (10-4) at Haydock 2m hcp (2) gs in Apr.
Bythesametoken (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway 3 out, stayed on flat, went 2nd towards finish, unable to trouble winner, 2nd of 15, 2l behind Afadil (11-1) at Ayr 2m hcp (3) gs in Apr.
Matchless (IRE) 15-2 (9-8) Made all, ridden and edged rigt over 1f out, stayed on gamely, won at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp (4) sft in May beating Aqwaam (9-0) by 2l, 6 ran.
Russian Virtue 14-1 (10-13) In rear, headway 3rd, not fluent 3 out, led 2 out, headed towards finish, no extra, 3rd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Fingal's Hill (11-12) at Hexham 2m hcp (3) gs in May.
The Navigator 16-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, bumped jumping 1st, pushed along before 2 out, stayed on but never placed to challenge, 5th of 10, 8 1/2l behind Hoganville (11-7) at Kelso 2m 7f hcp (4) gs in May.
