chased leaders, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened
held up, mid-division, headway on far side 3f out, driven and every chance entering final furlong, no extra near finish
behind, stayed on under pressure final 2f
held up, headway on far side over 3f out, chased leaders 2f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden over 4f out, soon lost place
chased leaders, ridden over 5f out, soon weakened
in touch, effort on wide outside 3f out, led inside final 2f, headed 1f out, not quicken
pulled hard and saddle slipped soon after start, led for 3f, stayed prominent, weakened 3f out, pulled up 2f out
took keen hold, held up, headway on inside over 3f out, led 1f out, hard driven final furlong, held on
chased leaders until weakened over 3f out
took keen hold, steadied into mid-division halfway, kept on final 2f
raced wide, mid-division, behind final 3f, one pace final 2f
chased leader, effort on stands side 2f out
prominent, led after 3f, headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, headway on stands over 3f out, one pace final 2f
held up in rear, headway towards over 2f out, soon one pace, no impression
Betting for the bumper should provide the major clues, however we will side with the proven Nicky Henderson gelding Procas De Thaix getting the vote ahead of Gun Smith, King Jack, and newcomer Edgeover. The last-named represents a stable who have plenty of success in this sphere and rates a danger, however Procas De Thaix won well on debut and gets the nomination. He only just got up that day but showed a very willing attitude and should appreciate the step up to two miles today. Nicky Henderson's other two entries are not without a chance on their debut but may just come on for the run. Flat jockey Jamie Spencer takes the ride on Jonjo O'Neill's Gun Smith and this 135,000 guineas purchase should go well despite his penalty. His trainer has an outstanding record at the course with his bumper winners (6 from 9) and he should be monitored closely in the market. King Jack is another with a penalty for his win at Folkestone and should be at home if conditions deteriorate any further. Alan King is represented by four runners, perhaps the most interesting being Paradise Regained and Patton. Ultimately the betting should provide some help in this high class bumper, however we will return to Procas De Thaix to continue his winning run.
Gun Smith 7-4fav (11-4) Tracked leaders throughout, led 3f out, headed over 2f out, all out to lead again close home, won at Ludlow 2m nhf (6) gd in Jan beating Marsh Court (10-0) by a hd, 16 ran.
King Jack 8-1 (11-4) Held up, headway 7f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, ridden out, won at Folkestone 2m 1f nhf (6) hvy in Feb beating My Friend Sandy (11-4) by 5l, 6 ran.
Blue Rebel (IRE) Ala Hounak gelding, half-brother to winning jumper Southerndown & winning hurdler Little Ora.
Buckingham Boys 20-1 (11-7) Always behind, tailed off & pulled up in race won by Classic Tilly (11-7) at Whitwick Manor 3m ptp gd in Feb, 12 ran.
Cool Cliche 25-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, ridden 4f out, stayed on strongly final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Kavatcha (10-8) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn nhf (5) sft in Jan.
Edgeover Overbury gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Enroblim Trop (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) Prominent, kept on one pace from 3f out, 3rd of 7, 17l behind Kid Charlemagne (11-0) at Fontwell 1m 6f nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Gone Tomorrow (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) A gng wl; rdn to ld last; sn clr, won at Market Rasen Pts 3m ptp sft in Feb beating Joey The Schnoze (12-0) by 4l, 11 ran.
Master Darcy 20-1 (11-4) Held up, headway on outside over 4f out, pressed leaders 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 11, 9l behind Clay Hollister (10-7) at Fontwell 1m 6f mdn nhf (6) sft in Feb.
Procas de Thaix (FR) 4-1 (10-12) Towards rear, ridden over 3f out, headway from 2f out, stayed on strongly inside final furlong, led near finish, won at Newbury 1m 4f 4yo nhf (5) hvy in Jan beating Just A Thought (10-12) by 3/4l, 17 ran.
Cee Cee Rider 9-2 (11-2) Took keen hold, tracked leaders until weakened over 5f out, 11th of 14, 33l behind Irish Wedding (10-13) at Folkestone 2m 1f mrs nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Takotna (IRE) 7-2 (10-9) Held up in touch, pushed along over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 4th of 20, 18l behind Den of Iniquity (11-2) at Warwick 2m nhf (6) gs in Dec.
Brenin Cwmtudu 25-1 (10-12) In touch, outpaced 7f out, stayed on and no impression over 1f out, 6th of 14, 14l behind Pebrock (10-7) at Southwell 2m 4yo nhf (5) sft in Jan.
Diamond Harry Sir Harry Lewis gelding out of winning hurdler Swift Conveyance.
First Blue (IRE) Supreme Leader gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler Sherberry & numerous winners in bumpers.
Paradise Regained (FR) Lost World gelding out of an unraced mare.
Patton (FR) Bonnet Rouge gelding, half-brother to winning chaser Nonita De Clerval.
Timpo (FR) Baby Turk gelding out of winning miler Faensa.
Uffa Fox (IRE) Bravefoot gelding, half-brother to winners up to 6f and over hurdles.
Romping Home (IRE) Rock Hopper filly out of an unraced mare.
Theft Silver Patriarch filly out of winning hurdler Piracy.
