in touch, outpaced when hampered after 3 out, soon lost place, no impression from next
behind, ridden 3 out, never dangerous
in touch, ridden and outpaced 3 out, stayed on same pace next, no impression
raced keenly, held up in rear, rapid headway to track leader 6th, led 3 out, ridden and headed flat, kept on
mid-division, lost place 6th, behind from 3 out
mid-division, chased leaders 3 out, soon ridden, no impression from next
in touch, went 3rd after 3 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, no chance with leading pair
held up, always behind
always towards rear
in touch, outpaced when not much room after 3 out, soon lost place, beaten and eased after next
led and clear to 6th, headed 3 out, soon outpaced
always prominent, close up 3 out, ridden to lead flat, stayed on well
Another tough race to call here for punters with very little between many of the leading lights but the principals look to be Double Deputy Imtihan and Fortunate Dave and the vote is given to Imtihan. The selection was a fair third behind Nelsons Spice last time out. That form looks solid and despite top weight he looks a value bet. Double Deputy rates the main danger on his latest second behind Nero West but he often finds less than expected off the bridle and is readily opposed with this in mind. Fortunate Dave is very fragile but has the ability to go close off this mark. He won well last time out but he would not want any more rain. Kidithou is well weighted on his chase form but is often let down by his jumping while Tamango may need the run after a 436 day break and for the winner we return to Imtihan.
Imtihan (IRE) 7-1 (11-5) With leader, led 7th to 3 out, still every chance last, stayed on same pace flat, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Nelson's Spice (11-4) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf in Jun.
Tamango (FR) 7-2 (11-6) Tracked leader to after 4th, ridden after 4 out, chased easy winner 2 out, weakened run-in, 4th of 6, 17l behind Full House (11-7) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gd in Apr '06.
Karathaena (IRE) 16-1 (11-10) Prominent, ridden 2 out, soon weakened, 8th of 9, 33l behind Rossin Gold (11-2) at Hexham 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Jun.
Kidithou (FR) 13-2 (10-5) Mid-division, headway 11th to chase leaders, weakened 2 out, 6th of 11, 43l behind Manoubi (11-11) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in Jun.
Fortunate Dave (USA) 5-1fav (10-6) In touch, ridden approaching 2 out, led approaching last, kept on well, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf in May beating Mr Shambles (10-12) by 6l, 15 ran.
Peter's Imp (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Held up, headway 3 out, led last, headed last 100 yards, one pace, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Michaels Dream (11-12) at Cartmel 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in May.
Pukka Tique 33-1 (11-1) Held up, ridden after 3 out, no impression, 8th of 15, 20l behind Fortunate Dave (10-6) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf in May.
Double Deputy (IRE) 5-4fav (10-5) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner between last 2, kept on one pace, 2nd of 7, 11l behind Nae Bother At All (10-12) at Hexham 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Jun.
