took keen hold, tracked winner until after 3rd, not fluent and lost place 6th, went 4th 4 out, well held 2 out
held up in touch, chased winner from 11th, no impression from after 4 out, lost 2nd flat
made all, clear 4 out, stayed on well, comfortably
chased leaders, ridden after 5 out, weakened next
in rear, several slow jumps, ridden after 8th, tailed off 10th, pulled up before 4 out
tracked leaders, mistakes, pressed winner after 3rd until 11th, weakened next, pulled up before 4 out
held up in rear, headway approaching 10th, one pace from 4 out, went 2nd flat, no chance with winner
Much will revolve around the race-fitness of topweight Sir Bumble. This is his time of year and he seems set for another decent time of things on quick summer ground. Not seen since last September, he is reluctantly passed over in the belief he may need this comeback run. DIGITAL MEDIA was a fortunate scorer last time but his fitness is assured, has the services of a highly talented conditional and is taken to follow up. Mr Bond has fallen three times when in contention and seems sure to oblige sooner of later off his current mark, whilst Normandy Landings completes the shortlist.
Sir Bumble (IRE) 11-4fav (11-6) Held up in rear, soon pushed along, hard ridden 7th, stayed on under pressure from 2 out, never troubled leaders, 3rd of 10, 23l behind Morestead (11-7) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd in Sep.
Digital Media (IRE) 6-1 (9-11) Chased leaders, ridden and went 2nd 5 out, about 12 lengths down and well held when left in clear lead after 3 out, won at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd beating Mister Watzisname (10-0) by 12l, 9 ran.
Gunship (IRE) 8-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 8th, soon led, headed next, every chance 4 out, weakened 2 out, 6th of 7, 23l behind Isle Of Inishmore (11-7) at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd.
Normandy Landings 11-2 (11-1) Chased leading pair, went left 3rd, went 2nd at 7th until next, left poor 2nd 4 out, never any chance with winner, well behind when blundered 3 out, 2nd of 5, 28l behind Thunder Child (10-0) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Mar.
Mangonel 66-1 (10-5) Behind, headway into 4th 7th, lost touch 10th, no chance with leading trio, 4th of 8, 45l behind Hidden Keel (11-12) at Exeter 2m 3f nov chs (4) gd.
Mr Bond (IRE) 3-1fav (11-1) Tracked leaders, not fluent 9th, lost place next, ridden after 12th, outpaced next, rallied and close up behind leaders 4 out, no extra flat, 4th of 7, 12l behind Isle Of Inishmore (11-7) at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd.
Lansdowne Princess 11-1 (10-12) Tracked winner, led 6th to next, remained close up, led again 11th, mistake and headed next, outpaced after 4 out, no chance with winner when stumbled next, 2nd of 3, 30l behind Qozak (11-12) at Taunton 2m 7f nov chs (4) fm.
