led from 1st, made rest, clear before last, kept on strongly
led to 1st, with winner until pushed along after 3 out, kept on same pace from next, no impression
tracked leaders in 3rd, chased winner before 2 out, no impression
held up in rear, soon in touch, headway 3 out, weakened before 2 out
towards rear, reminders from 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off
Five For Fifteen and Asknotwhat must step up on efforts to date despite receiving 7lb from the penalised trio, whilst Mere Anarchy will need to produce a better effort than last time when folding tamely when sent off favourite for a Bangor handicap hurdle. He's bred to appreciate this extra half mile though and may enjoy the return to novice company. Ciaran Gethings' 5lb claim will also aid his cause. Kid Valentine appeared to have limitations exposed when beaten over 30 lengths in a Hexham handicap hurdle in April although the heavy ground may have been the prime contributory factor. He faces different conditions now but THE TAILGATER (NAP) looked good when winning under Richard Johnson over this trip and ground at Huntingdon and the son of Oscar should continue to progress. Moreover, the O'Neill runners have been in fine form in recent days which is always a pleasing sign.
Kid Valentine (IRE) 3-1 (11-10) In touch in main bunch, closed and went 2nd from 5th, ridden and no impression on winner after 2 out, 3rd last, weakened flat, 3rd of 8, 36l behind Beyondtemptation (10-4) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Apr.
Mere Anarchy (IRE) 7-2fav (11-10) Chased leaders, pushed along before 3 out, ridden 2 out, well held in 4th when blundered last, 5th of 10, 20 1/2l behind Samtu (11-10) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Apr.
The Tailgater (IRE) 2-1 (11-4) Tracked front pair, headway to lead after 3 out, ridden out flat, kept on well, won at Huntingdon 2m 5f mdn (5) gd in May beating Ninepointsixthree (11-4) by 3l, 6 ran.
Asknotwhat (IRE) 5-2fav (11-0) Took keen hold on outside, prominent 10f out, led over 3f out, soon headed, not much room 1f out, no extra final 100 yards, 4th of 10, 7 1/2l behind Indian Scout (9-9) at Brighton 1m 4f hcp (6) gd in Jun.
Five For Fifteen (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway and in touch 4 out, lost place before 2 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 6th of 8, dist behind Officer Hoolihan (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 3f (4) gd in May.