held up, headway 3 out, led narrowly when left 3l clear next, driven and stayed on well between last two, 8 lengths clear when eased towards finish
held up, driven 3 out, outpaced when hampered next, no impression when left 3rd flat
tracked leaders, headway to challenge after 3 out, upsides and every chance when fell next
tracked leader, driven 3 out, outpaced when left 3 lengths down in 2nd next, ridden and kept on same pace, no chance with winner
led, driven and headed before 2 out, soon ridden, 3rd and no impression when pulled up lame flat
BENETWOOD is the solid selection to land this handicap, while both Veiled Applause and Black Jacari are worthy of respect. Benetwood landed back- to- back wins at Uttoxeter and Newton Abbot. Both were in sellers but he won both with considerable ease. He was bought back in for 14,000 pounds after his latest win suggesting that connections just wanted to give him confidence and to get his head in front. His handicap mark has not been affected and, if at his best, he can win again. Veiled Applause has been competing on the level in recent years but was back in the winners enclosure at Hexham last time out over hurdles. However he has been put up 13lbs in the ratings which seems harsh, so a personal best effort will be required. Black Jacari landed a novice hurdle at Fontwell last time out. That was his first win over jumps and he does not look the best handicapped horse in the world so should be treated with some caution. Benetwood has only been winning egg and spoon races recently but, with confidence restored, he can be a force to be reckoned with.
Benetwood (IRE) 4-5fav (11-5) Travelled well throughout, held up, headway after 4th, led 3 out, clear last, very easily, won at Newton Abbot 2m 1f sell hdl (5) gd beating Rapide Plaisir (10-12) by 5l, 9 ran.
Kingscape (IRE) 17-2 (11-1) Held up towards rear, hanging left after 5th, soon pushed along, some headway 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 13, 13l behind Oceana Gold (11-9) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in May.
Veiled Applause 4-1fav (11-10) Mid-division, headway approaching 3 out to track leaders, led approaching last, ran on well, won at Hexham 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd beating Storm Prospect (11-4) by 4l, 12 ran.
Black Jacari (IRE) 2-1fav (10-8) Chased leaders, went 2nd going well 3 out, led and jumped right 2 out, in command when went right last, driven right out, kept on well, won at Fontwell 2m 2f nh nov hdl (4) gf beating Master At Arms (11-5) by 6l, 10 ran.
Atticus Boy (USA) 40-1 (11-2) Led and pulled hard, headed after 3 out, ridden and weakened from last, 7th of 9, 7l behind Mickmacmagoole (11-3) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd.
