tracked leader, led from 1st, fell 5th
tracked leaders, blundered 2nd, bumped 3 out, disputing 2nd and looking well held when fell 2 out
led to 1st, reminders after 4th, soon in rear and tailed off, left remote 3rd 3 out
held up towards rear, went 2nd before and hampered 5th, in 3rd when quickly pulled up before 5 out
in rear and in touch, went 3rd before 3 out, disputing 2nd and well held when left chasing winner from 2 out, no impression
towards rear and in touch, soon chased leader, left in lead 5th, clear from 3 out
Whitsundays is on a roll but neither of his recent victories has worked out and he has another 6lb rise to contend with. Starlight Court failed to win over hurdles but may fare better over fences, though the handicapper has probably taken no chances. MIDNIGHT GEM also makes his debut over the larger obstacles but came back to form over hurdles with a short-head second at Ludlow and looks the one to be on. Dance In The Dust looks best of the rest as Mustang On may need the experience and Running Wolf has had his chances.
Starlight Court (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Tracked leader, driven to challenge 2 out, no extra approaching last, 2nd of 8, 14l behind Our Three Sons (11-7) at Stratford 2m hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Midnight Gem 9-2 (11-9) Led, pressed from 3 out, ridden before last, kept on and headed close home, 2nd of 7, shd behind Jester Jet (11-7) at Ludlow 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Whitsundays (IRE) 5-1 (11-11) Mid-division, outpaced halfway, rallied 4 out, chased leaders next, led after last, stayed on well, won at Kelso 2m 6f hcp (4) gd in Apr beating John Williams (11-3) by 5l, 12 ran.
Dance In The Dust (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Held up in last trio, steady headway approaching 4 out, went modest 3rd 2 out, ridden and one pace soon after, 3rd of 8, 10 3/4l behind Billy My Boy (11-7) at Chepstow 2m hcp (4) gf in Apr.
Mustang On 5-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, unable to go with front pair before 2 out, stayed on flat, closed on 2nd, no chance with winner, 3rd of 6, 7 1/2l behind Louis' Vac Pouch (11-7) at Market Rasen 2m 1f (4) gd in Mar.
Running Wolf (IRE) 8-1 (11-8) Towards rear, headway before 11th, one pace from 2 out, 3rd of 9, 15 1/4l behind Rocknrollrambo (11-2) at Huntingdon 3m hcp (5) gs in Mar.