tracked leader, led 8th, headed 3 out, weakened after 2 out
held up, headway 4 out, led 3 out, kept on well
held up, headway 10th, one pace from 3 out, lost 2nd flat
led to 8th, weakened from 4 out, tailed off
held up, headway 11th, weakening when blundered 5 out
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on to take 2nd flat
in touch, outpaced from 11th, weakened 13th
PAMS OAK's best runs have come at this time of year and Sue Smith's gelding is nominated here ahead of recent winner Dawn Ride. The selection is now rated 108 which is just 4lb higher than his highest winning mark. His last run at Catterick in December was disappointing but he is rated better than that and it is worth bearing in mind that two of this lightly-raced 11-year-old's wins have come in April and June. Like the selection Caipiroska has no problem with this ground. Two of his wins have come on a quick right-handed track on good ground and although he hasn't won since December 2007, it would be unwise to take his challenge lightly especially if the market agrees. Dawn Ride has a rather harsh-looking 11lb rise in the weights for his recent win at Wetherby on his reappearance; the stable are in form but the handicappers' attentions may have scuppered his chance here. Aztec Warrior is dropping down the weights but for good reason, whilst Go West represents a trainer who has done well here from a limited number of runners and the drop in trip will be in her geldings favour. A tightly-knit handicap where we are happy to take a chance on Pams Oak.
Aztec Warrior (IRE) 11-1 (11-9) Close up, led 3rd, headed 12th, weakened 3 out, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Never So Blue (11-3) at Bangor 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Feb, 11 ran.
Caipiroska 20-1 (11-6) Held up in rear, headway approaching 9th, weakening when left 4th 2 out, went moderate 3rd before last, 3rd of 17, 29l behind Theatrical Moment (11-10) at Towcester 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Mar.
Pams Oak 15-2 (10-11) Always behind, 7th of 11, well behind Gidam Gidam (11-4) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Dec.
Go West (IRE) 10-1 (11-5) Held up, pushed along approaching 11th, ridden approaching 4 out, never dangerous, 5th of 9, well behind Minella Four Star (11-11) at Haydock 3m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf.
Dawn Ride (IRE) 6-1 (10-4) Held up in rear, led on bit 4 out, hit last, stayed on well, eased near finish, won at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Mar beating Manbow (11-5) by 3 1/2l, 5 ran.
Cardington 9-1 (10-7) In touch when blundered badly and unseated rider 2nd, in a race won by Andrew Nick (11-5) at Ayr 3m 1f clm chs (3) gd, 6 ran.
The Artful Fox 11-1 (9-11) Mid-division, under pressure 8th, soon tailed off, 12th of 17, well behind Extra Bold (11-6) at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Mar.
