keen, tracked leading pair, 2nd over 4f out, led over 3f out, pushed along over 2f out, headed over 1f out, 3rd and readily outpaced final furlong, dropped to 4th towards finish
tracked leaders on inside, 3rd over 4f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, chased winner after, kept on final furlong but flattered by proximity to winner
took keen hold, tracked leader until pushed along over 4f out, soon outpaced in rear and struggling over 3f out, tailed off
led, quickened tempo over 5f out, headed over 3f out, outpaced over 2f out, went modest 3rd towards finish
Walt cost 58,000 euros and has a smart pedigree for jumping fences so could find a small field and this Polytrack surface isn't to his advantage. He also has to concede 7lb to the filly SHANANDOA and that could prove beyond him at this stage. Brian Barr's filly ran a fine race when runner-up at Cheltenham in April and, though a beaten favourite on her return to action here last month, she'll have improved for the run and can go one better. Surprise Choice showed nothing on her debut and the two remaining newcomers make little appeal.
Mybrotherjohnny Tiger Hill gelding out of Montjeu's Melody.
Walt (IRE) King's Theatre gelding out of Allee Sarthoise.
Racy Lady Rob Roy M out of Elmside Katie.
Shanandoa 2-1fav (10-10) Led, hard driven over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 12, 3 3/4l behind Unbuckled (11-3) at Lingfield 2m (6) pol in Nov.
Surprise Choice (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) In rear, pushed along over 7f out, headway over 5f out, soon went 3rd, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 7, dist behind Potters Legend (11-4) at Fakenham 2m (6) gs in Oct.