tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 3f out, weakened over 2f
held up in rear, headway over 4f out, soon chasing leaders, never able to challenge
tracked leaders, took keen hold, led over 4f out, headed over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, lost action and pulled up over 5f out
led, headed over 4f out, soon weakened
mid-division, outpaced over 3f out, headway over 1f out, never on terms
held up in touch, headway over 3f out, soon chasing leaders, stayed on to lead well inside final furlong, ridden out
prominent, soon in touch, every chance over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
always prominent, led over 3f out, headed over 2f out, rallied and every chance over 1f out, kept on well
held up in rear, some late headway, never on terms
held up in rear, headway over 4f out, led over 2f out, soon strongly challenged, headed inside final furlong, no extra
Nicky Henderson usually has a decent one lined up for this race and MORCAMBE may be able to bring the card to a close with a Royal winner. Ballagio is an obvious danger whilst the penalised pair have shown a fair level of form. The selection is a half-brother to a number of bumper winners, although not outstanding performers, and it wouldn't be the greatest surprise to see him provide the yard with their fourth winner in ten runnings of the race despite missing out with Bellvano last year. Ballagio's sales price has risen every time he's been through the sales ring and he's from a good jumping family; the yard won this race last year and the owner has a strong hand of bumper horses this season. De Forgotten Man and Awesome Freddie have both impressed but could struggle under penalties in what is likely to be an above average race. It's interesting to see Tony McCoy take the ride aboard Red Rock again as they were well held over course and distance when the pair teamed up last year but he's hard to fancy on that form and preference is for Morcambe.
Awesome Freddie 3-1 (11-0) Always in touch, went 2nd over 2f out, ridden to lead just over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, won at Warwick 2m NH flat (6) sft in Dec beating Salpierre (11-0) by 1 3/4l, 12 ran.
De Forgotten Man (IRE) 9-2 (11-3) Held up in rear, headway over 5f out, led over 2f out, driven out, (no time taken), won at Towcester 2m NH flat (6) sft beating Padre Eterno (11-3) by 1 1/4l, 13 ran.
Ballagio (IRE) Beneficial gelding out of Leos Holiday.
Baron Imp 66-1 (10-11) Mid-division, headway over 5f out, ridden and every chance over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 13, 22l behind Gallox Bridge (10-13) at Fontwell 1m 6f NH flat (6) sft.
Empty Scabbard Daggers Drawn gelding out of Feather-in-her-cap.
Golden Chieftain (IRE) 11-2 (11-4) Mid-division, headway over 7f out, weakened inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 7l behind Rock On Ruby (11-4) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn NH flat (5) gs.
Mic's Delight (IRE) Witness Box gelding out of Warrior Princess.
Morcambe Bollin Eric gelding out of Lunabelle.
Red Rock (FR) 9-1 (10-13) Chased leaders until weakened over 4f out, 12th of 13, well behind Lush Life (10-13) at Kempton 2m mdn NH flat (6) gd in Apr.
Shammick Boy (IRE) Craigsteel gelding out of Dulcet Music.
Dark Sensation 20-1 (11-2) Held up, chased leaders going to 4f out, weakened approaching 2f out, 9th of 12, 34l behind Lifestyle (10-5) at Ffos Las 2m mrs N H flat (6) gs in Jan.
Soleil D'avril (FR) Laveron gelding out of Melanie Du Chenet.
Setter's Princess Generous filly out of Setter Country.
