mid-division, lost place over 6f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 4f out, soon beaten
towards rear, kept on final 3f, never near leaders
in touch, ridden over 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f, no impression
mid-division, ridden over 4f out, soon one pace, no impression
led over 3f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
mid-division, lost place halfway, soon well behind, tailed off
mid-division, lost place halfway, soon behind
always prominent, led over 2f out, soon clear, stayed on well
chased leaders to over 5f out, soon weakened
in touch, led 3f out to over 2f out, soon ridden and one pace
in touch, ridden over 3f out, kept on same pace, no impression
James Ewart has his runners in tremendous form and he can claim another win here with BISHOPS HEIR. The gelding made a pleasing debut and was doing all his best work at the finish at Kelso in October, when he was fourth of 10 runners. This extra three furlongs will undoubtedly be a positive here, and with the yard going so well we will side with him. Howard Johnson runs Arty Farmer and the debutante will doubtless have ability. We need to check the market for clues there, but pedigree suggests he will make a nice stayer in time. Alora Money has the benefit of two previous runs and improved when runner up at Sedgefield last time. She should not be far away. Quannapowitt has been entered up in a few races of late and Malcolm Jefferson finally lets him return to the racecourse here, which may be a pointer in itself. The gelding went well on debut last spring and would not have to improve much to take a close hand. Cunning Clarets is brother to useful middle distance flat horse Charlie Tokyo and pedigree suggests that cut in the ground will suit, so market confidence would make him very interesting, but we'll take Bishops Heir in the bumper.
Alexander Oats 6-4fav (11-12) 2nd til lft in ld 11; jnd 14; w wnr til wknd app 2 out, 2nd of 10, 10l behind Athoss (12-5) at Corbridge 3m ptp sft in Apr.
Arran Law (IRE) Flemensfirth gelding, half-brother to 2 winners including chaser Storm Valley.
Arty Farmer Karinga Bay gelding out of One of Those Days.
Classic Henri Classic Cliche gelding out of Sainte Etoile.
Harrys Double (IRE) Double Eclipse gelding, half-brother to winning chaser Yassar.
Monsoon Music (IRE) Dushyantor gelding out of Stormey Tune.
Quannapowitt (IRE) 12-1 (10-10) Held up in rear, headway to track leaders over 3f out, went 2nd entering final furlong, ran green and wandered, stayed on towards finish, 3rd of 15, 2l behind Arturo Uno (11-2) at Towcester 2m nhf (5) gd in Apr.
Rockall (IRE) Quws gelding out of Deep Rossi.
Turtle Spirit Turtle Island gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler Boris The Blade.
Alora Money 9-1 (10-13) Behind, pushed along halfway, headway under pressure 6f out, ridden 3f out, stayed on to go 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 13l behind Basford Lass (10-5) at Sedgefield 2m 1f mrs nhf (6) hvy.
Noz (IRE) Norwich mare out of a once-raced mare.
Quover Bay (FR) Ultimately Lucky filly out of Djeti.
Bishops Heir 8-1 (10-12) Towards rear, outpaced 5f out, rallied and one pace final 2f, 4th of 10, 7l behind Chickini (10-5) at Kelso 1m 5f nhf (5) gs in Oct.
Brompton Brow (IRE) Beneficial gelding out of Henris Blaze.
Cunning Clarets (IRE) Trans Island gelding, full brother to Flat winner Charlie Tokyo.
Border Flora Alflora filly out of a once-raced mare.
