held up, mid-division, some headway over 3f out, never on terms
held up towards rear, pushed along and ran green over 7f out, headway over 3f out, ran on inside final furlong, never nearer
in touch, outpaced over 5f out, some headway over 2f out, never dangerous
held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, never able to challenge
led, set slow pace, headed after 3f, remained prominent, driven to challenge 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, headway on outside over 2f out, kept on, never nearer
tracked leaders, outpaced over 4f out, stayed on approaching final furlong, never on terms
pulled hard, in touch, weakened over 4f out
in touch, headway over 5f out, soon tracking leaders, led over 2f out, pushed out
tracked leaders, effort over 3f out, driven to challenge over 2f out, kept on same pace
led 3f, headed over 2f out, soon weakened
An open bumper with little to go on so check out the market for clues and Pastek gets the nod with Aironageestring respected and King Of Atlantis another who can go well on debut. Charlie Mann has done pretty well with his bumper runners this year and he picks up some good sorts from Germany. This one is related to winning flat performers over there and pedigree suggests the ground will suit so we'll chance him. Aironageestring was not an expensive purchase by the Paul Nicholls yard but nevertheless commands much respect from those connections and should be better in time over a trip. King Of Atlantis cost rather more at 40,000 Euros and is well related, with some cut in the ground likely to be preferable. Deep Woods was third here in a similar race on debut and would not be a shock winner, while Lordy can also come on for a pleasing enough debut. Watch the market for clues as always in these events, but we'll take Pastek to score.
Basis Point (IRE) Take Risks gelding, half-brother to winners on the Flat and over hurdles.
Deep Woods 50-1 (11-4) Held up, ridden and headway over 3f out, every chance entering final furlong, kept on, 3rd of 16, 1 1/2l behind Gershwin (11-4) at Kempton 2m mdn nhf (5) sft in Feb.
King of Atlantis (IRE) Old Vic gelding, half-brother to high-class chaser Lucky Bay and jumper Green Belt Flyer.
Lordy (NZ) 14-1 (10-11) Mid-division, headway 6f out, chased winner over 2f out, soon edged left, one pace approaching final furlong, 8th of 18, 6l behind Phoudamour (10-9) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (5) gd in Nov.
Might As Well 66-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, 11th of 14, 46l behind Mad Max (11-4) at Newbury 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Pastek (FR) Ungaro gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Wide Receiver (IRE) 100-1 (11-1) Held up behind, headway over 5f out, ridden 3f out, soon weakened, 12th of 16, 23l behind Gershwin (11-4) at Kempton 2m mdn nhf (5) sft in Feb.
These Are The Days Sir Harry Lewis mare, half-sister to winning chaser Optimistic Alfie and bumper Aintnonancy.
Aironageestring (IRE) Bach gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Aqualung (FR) Port Lyautey gelding, brother to 1m4f winner Passion Play.
Lagan Turbo 66-1 (10-8) In touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 10, 30l behind Upham Atom (10-11) at Plumpton 2m 2f mdn nhf (6) sft in Feb.
Lake Legend 3-1fav (10-9) Took keen hold, steadied into mid-division, driven 3f out, soon outpaced, 7th of 13, 7l behind Spanish Cruise (10-12) at Lingfield 1m 5f nhf (6) pol in Nov.
Santarctique (FR) Antarctique gelding, half-brother to winning chaser Palk.
Greyfin Terimon filly out of a lightly-raced mare.
Line Artic (FR) 22-1 (9-13) Led, headed over 2f out, gradually faded, 6th of 14, 17l behind Divali Princess (10-1) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn nhf (5) sft in Jan.
