steadied into 5th, closed on leader to dispute 2nd 2f out, driven to lead entering final furlong, stayed on well
raced in 3rd, lost place over 3f out, driven and stayed on from over 1f out but no danger
led and soon clear, reduced lead 3f out, headed 2f out, weakened rapidly, lost action
held up in rear, headway on outside and closed on leaders 3f out, went 3rd 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong to take 2nd final 75 yards
tracked clear leader, closed 3f out, disputing 2nd 2f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, no impression and lost 2nd final 75 yards
raced in 4th, lost place 3f out, kept on final furlong but no chance
Nonrunner
Eva Soneva So Fast's mark of 92 looks prohibitive now so therefore we will instead plump for Sgt Schultz ahead of Boot'n Toot. The selection won in good style a fortnight ago over course and distance and comes here in tip-top shape after some decent efforts in defeat before that. a 7lb rise in the weights will make life tougher today but he is only young and looks a progressive horse that may continue to improve. Flame Creek was last seen in a top hurdles handicap at Cheltenham but boasts some decent form on the flat although a longer trip would suit better. Active Asset made a pleasing reappearance nine days ago but isn't the sort to rely on to repeat it, so of more interest should be Eva Soneva So Fast as this race looks easier than when well-held last time out. He cannot be ruled out of course but may just be drifting back to his old habits of finding one too good. Boot'n Toot will appreciate this step back up in trip today and certainly has place claims at least, however for the winner we will return to recent winner Sgt Schultz to go in again.
Active Asset (IRE) 14-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, slightly outpaced over 1f out, stayed on inside last, 3rd of 11, 2l behind I Have Dreamed (9-1) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Eva Soneva So Fast (IRE) 11-4 (9-5) In touch, pushed along over 2f out, soon chasing leader and one pace, 4th of 6, 3 1/2l behind Kames Park (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-100 (2) pol.
Flame Creek (IRE) 10-1 (9-12) In touch, progress to challenge over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 8, 12l behind Beldon Hill (8-5) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Feb.
Hathaal (IRE) 50-1 (9-0) In rear, headway over 4f out, weakened 2f out, 8th of 14, 10l behind Salut Saint Cloud (9-8) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Sgt Schultz (IRE) 5-2fav (8-10) Held up 3rd, ridden to lead just over 2f out, clear over 1f out, ridden out, won at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol beating Mister Right (8-12) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
Boot 'n Toot 8-1 (8-9) Held up, took keen hold, headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 7, 1l behind Lisathedaddy (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 2f fll hcp (4) pol.
Lewis Island (IRE) 7-1 (8-4) Held up towards rear, hampered after 3f, ridden, brief effort over 3f out, 9th of 13, 18l behind Hue (8-4) at Goodwood 2m hcp 0-90 (3) gs in May.
