chased leaders, not fluent 5th, jumped right 3 out, soon ridden, went right again 2 out, stayed on same pace
with leader, definite advantage 3 out, jumped right 2 out, driven and headed between last 2, stayed on same pace
held up, blundered 4th, headway to chase leaders 3 out, slightly hampered 2 out, weakened soon after
slight lead and steady pace to 3 out, soon weakened under pressure
held up, headway to chase leaders approaching 2 out, weakened between last 2
not fluent, chased leaders, driven and outpaced after 3 out, headway to chase leader 2 out, driven to lead between last 2, stayed on under pressure run-in
jumped right 1st, chased leaders, effort 4 out, weakened next, tailed off
Procas De Thaix gets the vote ahead of Bold Policy and Equity Release. It took a good one in Theatre Girl to lower the colours of the selection last time out at Wincanton and whilst there are dangers in this field, he should run a big race today. The stable's runners often improve for their first run of the season, and this progressive sort can take this before going on to bigger and better things. Halfway Cut was held when coming to grief last time and is passed over, whilst Equity Release ran with promise on his bumper debut and is sure to have been well-schooled. Bold Policy has a similar profile and coming from his top stable must be high on anyone's shortlist, and whilst Cruchain warrants respect first time over obstacles, it is Procas De Thaix who is taken to oblige.
Bold Policy (IRE) 7-1 (10-10) Held up, headway 4f out, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, kept on, 2nd of 14, 3l behind Silver By Nature (11-4) at Perth 2m nhf (5) gs in Apr.
Cruchain (IRE) 9-2 (10-9) Held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, driven and one pace final 2f, 7th of 14, 20l behind Big Eared Fran (10-7) at Sandown 2m nhf (5) gd.
Equity Release (IRE) 13-2 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway from halfway, led 2f out, soon ridden, no extra when headed close home, 3rd of 15, 1/2l behind Or Bleu (10-11) at Exeter 2m 1f mdn nhf (5) gf in May.
Generous Star 25-1 (10-5) In touch, ridden 4 out, soon weakened, 6th of 9, 26l behind Openditch (10-12) at Lingfield 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gf.
Halfway Cut 25-1 (10-12) Led, not fluent 3rd, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakening when fell 2 out in race won by Deep Purple (10-12) at Stratford 2m nov hdl (3) gd in May, 10 ran.
Procas de Thaix (FR) 7-2 (10-12) Chased clear leader, headway and joined leader approaching 2 out, soon ridden, challenged 2 out, led flat, headed close home, 2nd of 5, shd behind Theatre Girl (10-5) at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (3) gd.
Where Now Madame 16-1 (10-2) Pulled hard, settled in rear, promising headway on outside 3f out, ridden and one pace final 2f, 7th of 13, 14l behind Aux Le Bahnn (11-9) at Lingfield 2m nhf (6) pol in Mar.
