made all, ridden 3 out, went clear after last
chased winner, ridden 3 out, no extra after last
chased leaders, ridden 3 out, no extra after last
always in rear
chased leaders, headway before 3 out, chased winner last, ran on
SCEAU ROYAL has kick started his season with a victory in this Listed contest for the last two years. He’s clear of these at the weights and a third success looks on the cards. Too Friendly is a progressive hurdler having won three of his last four starts in handicaps and has more recent form than Rubaud, who counted First Street among his victims when landing the Scottish Champion Hurdle handicap at Ayr back in April. Fast Buck was well beaten in this last year and looks up against it once again.
Rubaud (FR) 7-2fav (10-11) Made all, not fluent last, found more inside final 75 yards, won going away, won at Ayr 2m hcp (1) gd in Apr beating Colonel Mustard (11-8) by 3l, 10 ran.
First Street 6-1 (11-12) Mid-division, not fluent 6th, outpaced from 3 out, well beaten 2 out, 8th of 10, 18l behind Rubaud (10-11) at Ayr 2m hcp (1) gd in Apr.
Sceau Royal (FR) 50-1 (11-10) Held up in last pair, mistake 1st, not much room and crashed into wing 3 out, no impression, well beaten 2 out, last of 6, 19 1/2l behind Constitution Hill (11-10) at Aintree 2m 4f (1) gs in Apr.
Fast Buck (FR) 15-2 (11-1) Led, hit 9th and pushed along, headed after 3 out, chased leader until pushed along turning in, weakened quickly, tailed off and pulled up before the last, at Ascot 2m 1f hcp (2) gs in Apr.
Too Friendly 2-1fav (12-0) Took keen hold, midfield in touch, travelling best before 2 out, soon switched left and ridden, headway to press leaders approaching last where not fluent, kept on well run-in and led near finish, won at Perth 2m hcp (2) gd in Aug beating Well Planted (10-11) by nk, 7 ran.
