took keen hold, tracked leaders, hampered and went left 2nd, went 2nd when distracted by loose horse tried to run out left and unseated rider next
tracked leader until approaching 2nd where left 2nd again, wandered at 3 out, pushed along to lead and went left 2 out, clear when slight peck last
held up, jinked right and unseated rider 1st
took keen hold, tracked leaders, hampered by loose horse and unseated rider 2nd
took keen hold, led, hampered 2nd, pushed along before 2 out, headed 2 out, soon no chance with winner
KING'S WHARF has a 7lb penalty to contend with for his Stratford victory a week ago, which theoretically offers the six-length runner-up, Spanish Fork, a decent chance of reversing placings. However, the Evans inmate could be called the winner some way out that day and is taken to confirm placings despite disadvantageous terms. Friendsinlowplaces and Dalmo have both shown enough on the Flat to be dangerous on their jumping debuts. The latter has greater experience but the former shaped really well on his sole Flat start when third at Ripon in the spring and could emerge as the main threat to the selection.
King's Wharf (IRE) 10-3fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, smooth headway to lead after 3 out, 3 lengths advantage when left well clear next, unchallenged after, hit last, won at Stratford 2m 3yo hdl (4) gd beating Spanish Fork (10-12) by 6l, 14 ran.
Dalmo 14-1 (9-2) Chased leader, ridden 4f out, led over 3f out until over 2f out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 32l behind Fleur De La Vie (8-13) at Lingfield 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jun (flat).
Friendsinlowplaces 14-1 (8-12) Started very slowly, behind, switched left and hampered over 2f out, headway on outside over 1f out, stayed on to 3rd final 100 yards, nearest finish, 3rd of 13, 6l behind Hawaiian Storm (8-9) at Ripon 1m 3yo mdn (5) sft in Apr (flat).
Spanish Fork (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) Behind, ridden after 5th, headway on outside after 3 out, disputed 3rd when left moderate 2nd next, kept on same pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 14, 6l behind King's Wharf (10-12) at Stratford 2m 3yo hdl (4) gd.
Arbeejay 12-1 (10-2) Mid-division, outpaced 5th, soon behind, tailed off, 8th of 14, well behind King's Wharf (10-12) at Stratford 2m 3yo hdl (4) gd.