in rear, pushed along and made no impression 4 out
led, headed from 4th, ridden and outpaced 2 out, stayed on strongly from last, not reach winner
held up, smooth headway to challenge 2 out, ridden to lead last, stayed on well flat, won going away
prominent, led from 4th, ridden and hard pressed 2 out, headed last, no extra final 100 yards
mid-division, struggling and dropped to rear from 10th, pulled up after 12th
mid-division on inside, pushed along and outpaced 5 out, never involved
Last season’s Grand National winner Corach Rambler is the star attraction in this but his long-term target this term will be a return visit to Aintree and he may need this. Highland Hunter has changed stables since last seen in February of last year but he’s joined a yard that can get one ready at home. ELVIS MAIL (NAP) dispelled any stamina doubts when romping home over course and distance in March. This is the grey’s favourite track and he can shrug off a 5lb rise. Empire Steel came from an impossible-looking position to beat a couple of useful stayers in a Listed chase here in the spring so looks the danger as the other pair have a lot to find at the weights.
Corach Rambler (IRE) 8-1fav (10-5) Never that far away, went 2nd travelling strongly 2 out, jumped into the lead at the last, stayed on strongly run-in, won at Aintree 4m 2f hcp (1) gs in Apr beating Vanillier (10-6) by 2 1/4l, 39 ran.
Highland Hunter (IRE) 11-4fav (11-12) Chased leaders, pushed along before 4 out, pressed leaders 4 out, soon ridden, weakened quickly 2 out, tired jump las, 4th of 6, dist behind Captain Cattistock (10-1) at Musselburgh 3m 7f hcp (2) gd in Feb.
Elvis Mail (FR) 7-1 (11-5) Held up, out to right 1st, slightly hampered 2nd, headway 4 out, going well when closed on front pair when waved around damaged fence (usual 2 out), led approaching final fence, soon in command, ridden out, won at Kelso 3m 2f hcp (2) sft in Mar beating Half Shot (10-2) by 7 1/2l, 10 ran.
Empire Steel (IRE) 22-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, pushed along 4 out, not much room 3 out, weakened before last, 8th of 18, 17l behind Kitty's Light (11-0) at Ayr 4m hcp (1) gd in Apr.
Rapper 14-1 (11-11) Chased leaders, lost place 11th, tailed off 16th, pulled up before 17th, at Cheltenham 3m 2f hcp (2) sft in Mar.
Burrows Diamond (FR) 7-1 (11-13) Rear of mid-division, headway tracking leaders 4 out, pushed along and could not go pace of leader from 3 out, kept on in distant 2nd, 2nd of 10, 7l behind Cash To Ash (10-8) at Newcastle 2m 7f hcp (3) hvy in Mar.
