tracked leading pair, went 2nd before 3 out, challenging when blundered 3 out, rallied next, pushed along and upsides when left clear at the last
tracked leader, led after 4 out, joined 3 out, blundered 2 out, ridden and strongly pressed when fell last
took keen hold, led, mistake 3rd, raced very wide on back straight, headed after 4 out, 4th and beaten when veered left on landing and unseated rider 3 out
took keen hold, held up in last pair, jumped slowly 2nd, went 3rd before 3 out, one pace and no impression when hung right and mistake 2 out, left in poor 2nd at the last
took keen hold and held up in last pair, left in poor 4th and hit 3 out, no chance when mistake and unseated rider 2 out
This may end up a battle between the two previous winners, Stand To Reason and WILDE BLUE YONDER. The former made a winning start over timber at Wincanton and was a useful sort on soft ground on the Flat. He has plenty of scope but the latter has a more stamina-packed pedigree. He got off the mark in a maiden hurdle over course and distance last month and could grind out another victory today. Benbecula shaped with promise at Exeter last month but all of his form on the Flat was on much faster surfaces while Midnight Thunder will need much further in time.
Stand To Reason (IRE) 8-11fav (11-0) Held up in mid-division, smooth headway after 3 out, went 2nd approaching last, challenged and slight stumble last, soon led and ran on well, comfortably, won at Wincanton 2m mdn hdl (5) gd beating Red Seventy (10-7) by 2l, 16 ran.
Wilde Blue Yonder (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, challenging when blundered last, soon led, kept on well, won at Newbury 2m NH mdn hdl (3) gs in Nov beating Seedling (11-0) by 1l, 14 ran.
Benbecula 14-1 (10-12) Jumped right 1st, took keen hold, soon led, driven when hit 3 out, headed before next, no extra flat, 3rd of 9, 5l behind Neston Grace (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Midnight Thunder (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Behind, blundered and rider lost iron 2nd, recovered after next, headway 6th, chased leaders before 4 out, soon one pace, weakened 2 out, 6th of 15, 34l behind Aubusson (10-5) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gs.
Balady (IRE) 10-1 (10-10) Not fluent and went left, led and clear until 5th, headed 3 out, weakened next, 9th of 11, 34l behind In By Midnight (10-10) at Worcester 2m mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Oct.
Y A Bon (IRE) 7-2 (11-2) Held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 10, 9l behind Are They Your Own (10-9) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f NH flat (6) gf in May.
