in touch, led after 3 out, ridden and headed next, kept on but no chance with winner
held up, headway 6th, joined leader 3 out, led next, soon clear, comfortably
led, headed and weakened quickly after 3 out, pulled up before next
in touch until 6th, behind when pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders until weakened quickly approaching 3 out
held up, ridden after 3 out, stayed on to go 3rd when blundered last, no further impression
Whispered Secret was an impressive winner at Huntingdon last time and looks set to follow up here this evening, Kadam and Middleham Park look to be the obvious dangers. Martin Pipe's six-year-old was a bit novicey with his jumping but still managed to beat Joshua's Bay by a long looking six lengths. He gets a seven pound penalty for that victory but it shouldn't be enough to stop him this evening. Kadam was a beaten favourite at last time but had previously landed a similar contest at Chepstow. He was also successful over course and distance back in March so has to be given every respect. Middleham Park easily landed a modest Towcester hurdle last time and doesn't look badly treated on his return to handicaps. In what is a competitive event Baloo and Alva Glen also have claims, but despite his welter burden whispered Secret looks the best option.
Whispered Secret (GER) 6-4fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, led approaching 3 out, jumped left 2 out and last, ran on well, won at Huntingdon 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gf beating Joshua's Bay (11-2) by 6l, 5 ran.
Mr Fluffy 20-1 (10-4) Held up, in rear when blundered 7th, soon struggling, tailed off and pulled up 3 out in race won by Blue Business (10-9) at Cheltenham 3m hcp hdl 0-145 (B) gd in Apr, 12 ran.
Fireball Macnamara (IRE) 12-1 (11-2) In rear, lost touch 4th, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Cool Spice (11-6) at N Abbot 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (C) gd in May, 15 ran.
Middleham Park (IRE) 2-1 (11-3) Keen, tracked leaders, led on bit after 3 out, ridden out, won at Towcester 2m 3f nov hdl (E) gf in May beating Hattington (11-6) by 5l, 6 ran.
Baloo 20-1 (10-13) Held up towards rear, ridden before 3 out, one pace from 2 out, beaten when hit last, 5th of 8, 8l behind Mesmeric (11-9) at Taunton 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd in Dec.
Kadam (IRE) 11-8fav (11-10) In touch, ridden to chase leading pair 2 out, no impression, 3rd of 10, 9l behind Alva Glen (11-1) at Hereford 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gf in May.
Alva Glen (USA) 7-1 (11-2) Behind, lost place 4th, no danger after, 6th of 11, 25l behind Tom Bell (10-2) at Hereford 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gs in May.
