mid-division, headway to track leaders 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon one pace
towards rear, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression
mid-division, smooth headway and every chance approaching 2 out, ridden and held when hit last
mid-division, smooth headway to challenge 3 out, ridden approaching next, every chance when hit last and no extra run-in
led, ridden approaching 3 out, soon headed and weakened quickly
mid-division, ridden and lost place 6th, some headway from next, one pace from 2 out
tracked leader, every chance 3 out, soon ridden and weakened
behind, ridden 5th, lost touch from next
mid-division, smooth headway to track leaders 6th, led approaching 2 out, ridden and kept on run-in
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
towards rear, ridden and chased leaders approaching 3 out, weakened from next
Course and distance winner Saif Sareea, Kings Quay and Pilca are three for the shortlist here, with the tentative vote going to Saif Sareea. Nicky Richards gelding has been running well on the flat this year, and whilst he knocked up a series of places last term over hurdles, they were in better quality races and he should be good enough to take this if fit enough. However, if the ground were to deteriorate, he may not be able to show his best and a potent danger could be Kings Quay who is unbeaten over hurdles from two starts. He won those very easily and although stepping up into a tough handicap today, he looks sure to go well, especially if the rain does come. Pilca had been running consistently in handicaps before easily taking a seller last time out, and if that has fully restored his confidence then he too can be there at the finish. Of the rest, Castleshane would need to bounce back from a poor effort last time out, whilst at bigger odds Jim Goldie's Ballyhurry will be fit from his pleasing recent run on the flat and it would be no surprise to see him pick up some form of prize money here. However, dual performer Saif Sareea looks the most solid option and therefore he gets our vote.
Saif Sareea 8-1 (10-1) Tracked leaders and keen, led 3 out, ridden next, headed when mistake last, soon weakened, 3rd of 21, 8l behind Acambo (10-4) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl Grd 3 (1) gd in May.
Silver Dollars (FR) 11-10fav (10-12) In touch, ridden 3 out, weakened after next, 8th of 12, 22l behind Lethem Air (11-0) at Perth 2m mdn hdl (4) gf in Apr.
Kings Quay 2-5fav (11-5) Close up, tracked leader going well 3 out, led narrowly 2 out, joined early flat, in command final 100 yards, readily, won at Plumpton 2m nov hdl (4) gf in Sept beating Art Modern (10-12) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Millagros (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) In touch, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, one pace and no impression when slightly hampered 2 out, 5th of 14, 20l behind Sun King (9-4) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Feb.
Supply And Fix (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Led 3rd, ridden and headed before 3 out, soon weakened, 15th of 20, well behind Cluain Arra (10-10) at Down Royal 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-102 gs.
Castleshane (IRE) 7-1 (11-10) Led, headed approaching 4 out, remained close up until weakened after 3 out, last of 13, well behind Sunisa (10-7) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd.
Pilca (FR) 8-11fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 5th, led approaching 3 out, ran on, won at Ludlow 2m cnd sll hdl (5) gd beating Secret's Out (10-12) by 5l, 13 ran.
Wyn Dixie (IRE) 13-2 (11-3) Raced keenly, led 1st, headed 2 out, beaten when hit last, 6th of 11, 27l behind Lysander (11-6) at Hexham 2m nov chs (4) gd in Oct.
