Sneaking Budge won at Sandown two years ago and has been lightly raced since. Efforts this season suggest he retains some ability and he’s had a wind operation since last seen at Warwick so can’t be ignored. The Blue Bomber finally got off the mark over 2m here last week but softer going and a penalty are concerns and more interesting are Pc Dixon, who is running well despite climbing the ratings, and STRAIT RUN. Micky Hammond’s charge has a poor strike rate but likes the mud and there’s a good chance he’ll be suited by this intermediate distance.
Radical Archie 20-1 (11-12) Raced wide, in touch until lost and place before 4th, losing touch when mistake 6th, tailed off and pulled up before next, at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (4) hvy in Feb.
Sneaking Budge 12-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden and weakened after 2 out, 6th of 8, 8 3/4l behind The Dubai Way (12-7) at Warwick 2m hcp (4) sft in Feb.
Alfiboy 25-1 (10-12) Mistakes, always well in rear, tailed off, 10th of 11, dist behind Fin And Game (10-12) at Wetherby 2m (4) sft in Nov.
Hollywood All Star (IRE) 11-2 (11-12) Mid-division, weakened after 3 out tailed off when pulled up before next, at Southwell 2m hcp (5) sft in Feb.
Dakota Grey 6-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, weakened after 2 out, last of 12, dist behind Pistol (11-1) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Feb.
The Blue Bomber 5-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway before 3 out to tracked leaders, led 2 out, soon hard pressed, held on well towards finish, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp (4) gs in Mar beating Red Ochre (11-9) by 1 3/4l, 10 ran.
Booborowie (IRE) 100-1 (11-2) Keen in mid-division, outpaced 6th, plugged on, 5th of 11, dist behind Euxton Lane (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 2f mdn (5) sft in Mar.
Pc Dixon 9-2 (11-7) Tracked leader, ridden to lead 2 out, headed next, kept on one pace, 2nd of 14, 3l behind Our Lucas (11-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp (5) gs in Mar.
Strait Run (IRE) 7-2 (10-10) 2nd or 3rd, challenged on stands side 2 out, every chance last, held and lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 5, 3/4l behind Instingtive (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp (5) hvy in Mar.
Grays Choice (IRE) 12-1 (10-8) Always behind, struggling from 5 out, tailed off, last of 5, dist behind Oak Vintage (10-11) at Catterick 2m hcp (4) gs in Feb.
