led until 4th, tracked leader, led approaching 7th until 3 out, soon out paced, staying on when hit 2 out, went 3rd last
held up towards rear, shortlived effort after 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden after 7th, weakened after 3 out
jumped left 1st, took keen hold in touch, pulled up after 4th
held up, headway after 6th, ridden to chase winner approaching 2 out, no chance
in touch, headway 6th, every chance when hit 3 out, ridden when hit next, weakened
tracked leaders, led 3 out, soon clear, easily
took keen hold, held up, headway to lead 4th, hit 6th, headed approaching 7th, hit 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off
Nonrunner
Plenty have chances and we take a punt about ST MELLION FREEWAY versus the more obvious types as Earth Dream and Saphire Night. Alison Thorpe's charge has little recent form to recommend but he is proven with ground of this type and with the yard's horses beginning to run into some semblance of form, we are happy to play at the likely odds. Earth Dream was predictably hammered for a decent win at Kempton. The handicapper has not sought to change his opinion after witnessing his sixth placing at Wincanton. Saphire Night won a weak handicap at Wincanton. She is unproven on ground as quick as this. Markington has patchy form though could be given a squeak on a run behind Terramarique at Huntingdon last term. Masjoor had back-to-back races in March and connections take no chances with Tony McCoy aboard. Painter Man had looked progressive before a shocker at Towcester brought his followers back down to earth with a huge bump. Beshairt bids for a hattrick having obliged in two weaker contests than this. Not many can be written off and St Mellion Freeway could be value.
St Mellion Freeway (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Mid-division, headway 13th, close 4th when fell 4 out, in a race won by Freeline Fury (10-3) at Newton Abbot 3m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Apr, 12 ran.
Earth Dream (IRE) 7-2fav (11-1) Towards rear, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, 6th of 12, 30l behind Wun Chai (10-13) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Apr.
Painter Man (FR) 9-2fav (11-9) Held up towards rear, steady headway approaching 6th, shaken up when hit 8th, soon ridden, weakened after 3 out, tailed off, 11th of 17, well behind Theatrical Moment (11-10) at Towcester 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Mar.
Masjoor 12-1 (11-10) Prominent, challenged under pressure 3 out, stayed on approaching last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 5l behind Mount Benger (11-2) at Chepstow 2m clm hdl (5) gd in Mar.
Beshairt 11-1 (10-5) Held up, headway 7th, led approaching 2 out, ran on flat, won at Stratford 2m 3f mrs hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Apr beating Just Beware (9-10) by 1l, 11 ran.
Vintage Fabric (USA) 25-1 (11-2) Mid-division, headway 7th, led after 8th, ridden approaching 2, hard ridden, headed soon after last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 14, 2 1/2l behind Alfred's Tower (11-5) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Apr.
Markington 8-1 (11-12) Chased leader to 7th, soon ridden along, lost place before next, soon weakened, tailed off, 7th of 9, well behind Island Arrow (11-7) at Huntingdon 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf in Apr.
Dochas Beag (IRE) 11-1 (10-1) 7th of 13, 16l behind Square Ball (9-12) at Cork 2m 4f stks 0-123 gd in Jun '07.
Saphire Night 4-1 (11-5) In touch, tracked leader 4 out, led approaching 2 out, challenged last, kept on, won at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) sft in Mar beating Sashenka (11-2) by 2 3/4l, 10 ran.
