tracked leaders in 3rd, jumped right 1st, weakened before 4 out, in 5th when fell heavily 2 out
held up towards rear, struggling from 10th, pulled up before next
in touch, ridden to chase winner before 2 out, kept on and no impression
with leader, led 9th, ridden before 3 out, headed before 2 out, soon weakened
in rear, struggling from 6th, pulled up
held up towards rear, went 3rd from 6th, led before 2 out, soon clear, kept on well
led, headed 9th, weakened before 10th, tailed off
Hughesie was second to a decent sort over track and trip last month when Mr Mountain was a well-beaten last of those to finish. Butlergrove King had Prettylittlething back in fourth when winning at Ffos Las but there may not be much between that pair today on the revised terms. Quinto keeps finding one too good so could probably do with some help from the handicapper but has been raised a pound. Dan Skelton seems to got some improvement out of SPEED DEMON (NAP), who looked very well handicapped when bolting up at Stratford. He has a penalty to carry but this track is similar in nature so a follow-up looks on the cards.
Hughesie (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, not fluent 4th, 2nd 12th, every chance 2 out, jumped right last, held by winner flat, stayed on, 2nd of 8, 2 1/4l behind Dream Bolt (11-13) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in May.
Mr Mountain (IRE) 9-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, reached at 4 out, soon weakened, 6th of 8, dist behind Dream Bolt (11-13) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in May.
Butlergrove King (IRE) 9-4fav (11-12) Held up in touch in last pair, headway tracking leaders 13th, pushed along in 3rd before 4 out, left close 2nd next, led approaching 2 out, soon clear, easily, won at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp (5) gd in Jun beating Eaton Rock (11-12) by 6l, 7 ran.
Speed Demon (IRE) 3-1 (11-5) Jumped well, tracked leader, led 6th, clear 3 out, kept up to work before last, easily, won at Stratford 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Jun beating Jonagold (11-12) by dist, 5 ran.
Quinto 5-2fav (11-0) Took keen hold, in touch in rear, ridden before 4 out, 2nd 2 out, held by winner flat, stayed on, 2nd of 5, 1 3/4l behind Only Gorgeous (11-3) at Exeter 3m hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Prettylittlething (IRE) 9-2 (12-3) Held up in rear, good headway on outside chasing leaders 13th, weakened 4 out, plugged on run-in, modest 4th final 100 yards, 4th of 7, 11l behind Butlergrove King (11-12) at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp (5) gd in Jun.
Irish Thistle (IRE) 9-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, lost place after 2nd, closed 10th, struggling 4 out, well held next, 6th of 8, dist behind Brownville (11-12) at Uttoxeter 3m 2f hcp (4) gd in May.
