settled in rear but in touch, smooth headway 4 out, led last, quickened clear, easily
held up in rear but in touch, headway 5 out, every chance 2 out, weakened last
tracked leader, led approaching 6th, headed after next, lost place before 4 out, behind when pulled up before last
chased leaders, pushed along 5 out, soon lost place, tailed off
held up in rear, headway to chase leaders halfway, weakened 4 out, tailed off
led until approaching 6th, led again after next, headed last, not pace of winner
chased leaders, under pressure before 4 out, weakened after 2 out
Cloud Creeper was brought with a steady run to collar Silver Roque over course and distance last month but will find this tougher off a 5lb higher mark, though should confirm the form with fourth Noble Legend. Sonofagun has a lengthy absence to overcome and Book 'Em Danno is best watched having shown signs of temperament when last seen. The jury is also out on the once-useful Royal Charm while Upepito weakened quickly over this trip at Wincanton last time. HIGHWAY CODE is only a pound higher than last winning over fences and weighted to reverse Ludlow running with Sonofagun a year ago. He might be worth an interest if allowed to start at inflated odds.
Cloud Creeper (IRE) 9-4 (10-11) Held up in rear, not fluent 5th, headway on outside after 11th, not fluent 4 out, challenged 2 out, led last, driven out, won at Leicester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-140 (3) gs in Feb beating Silver Roque (11-9) by nk, 8 ran.
Upepito (FR) 11-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, not always fluent, went 2nd 8th, no impression on winner before 3 out, lost 2nd before mistake 2 out, weakened last, 3rd of 6, 19l behind Opening Batsman (11-11) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Feb.
Book'em Danno (IRE) 8-1 (11-8) Tracked winner, not fluent 10th, lost 2nd after 12th, soon outpaced, blundered and weakened 3 out, refused and unseated rider last, in a race won by The Druids Nephew (11-12) at Huntingdon 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Oct, 4 ran.
Highway Code (USA) 7-1 (11-6) Took keen hold, tracked leader, led 2nd, hit 6th, headed next, slightly last place, outpaced after 9th, tried to rally in 4th approaching 4 out, hit 4 out, disputing well held 3rd next until 2 out, soon no extra, 5th of 8, 13l behind Vivaccio (11-6) at Ludlow 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Dec.
Sonofagun (FR) 4-1 (10-5) Held up in rear, mistakes 4th and 7th, headway before 11th, mistake 4 out, weakening when hit 2 out, 5th of 8, 30l behind Minella For Value (11-3) at Stratford 2m 5f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gd in May.
Noble Legend 13-2 (10-10) Led until after 2 out, no extra flat, 4th of 8, 16l behind Cloud Creeper (10-11) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-140 (3) gs in Feb.
Royal Charm (FR) 40-1 (10-5) Held up, steady headway from 12th, lost place before 4 out, weakened next, 9th of 14, 40l behind Soll (10-8) at Exeter 3m hcap ch (2) gs in Feb.
