in rear, jumped left 1st, headway after 5th, went 2nd 7th, ridden before omitted 2 out, no impression last
tracked leaders, went 2nd after 5th, led 6th, pushed along after next, clear before last, stayed on
in rear, brought down 1st
took keen hold, led until after 2nd, led and not fluent next, headed 6th, weakened and pulled up after next
towards rear, not always fluent, pulled up before 6th
tracked leaders, stumbled and fell just before 1st
in rear, not always fluent, struggling 7th, tailed off
pressed leader, wandered into 1st, led after next, headed 3rd, outpaced in 3rd from 7th, no impression after, plugged on
NonRunner
BASFORD (NAP) is an obvious frustration after posting five successive runner-up performances but he's not been beaten at all far at any time with three defeats by a length or less. This looks a weak race on paper and he is afforded another chance to deliver the goods. The jury remains out on Great Schema as the dual pointing winner pulled out on his hurdling and stable debut at Taunton and is best watched. Bella Noche has a 1-8 record between the flags and has plenty to do on hurdling debut, so it's Bala Brook who gets the vote as the likeliest threat. He showed a little ability on bumper debut, Freddie Gingell claims a handy 7lb and he may have more room for improvement than the rest.
Bala Brook 40-1 (11-0) Led, headed and pushed turning for home, soon ridden and weakened, 15th of 17, dist behind Golden Ace (10-7) at Wincanton 1m 7f (5) gs in Dec.
Basford (IRE) 5-6fav (11-4) Held up in rear, not fluent 8th, in touch with leaders 3 out when not fluent, soon ridden and outpaced, stayed on into 2nd approaching last, kept on run-in, nearest finish, 2nd of 4, 3/4l behind Lune De La Mer (11-4) at Aintree 2m 4f mdn (4) gd in May.
Getaway Tothe Wood (IRE) 200-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, not fluent 1st, struggling 6th, well beaten from 3 out, pulled up before 2 out, at Wincanton 2m 4f mdn (4) gs in Mar.
Great Schema 100-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, pushed along 3 out, weakened quickly and pulled up, at Taunton 2m 3f (4) gs in Dec.
Vendange (IRE) 200-1 (10-2) Midfield, pushed along 2nd, ridden after 4th, dropped to rear before 6th, pulled up before next, at Taunton 2m 3f hcp (5) gs in Apr.
Bella Noche (IRE) 7-2 (11-3) In tch til wknd 3 out, last of 4, 33l behind Grenadine Save (11-7) at Woodford 3m mdn gs in Apr.
Etoile Brillante (IRE) 300-1 (10-7) Mid-division out wide, pushed along and weakened rapidly home turn, tailed off, 13th of 14, dist behind Micronormous (10-7) at Exeter 2m 1f (4) gd in Nov.
Kylenoe Dancer 50-1 (11-0) Always in rear, behind 4th, tailed off, 6th of 8, dist behind Queens Gamble (11-0) at Warwick 2m mdn (4) gd in May.
Russies Dream 28-1 (10-2) Chased leaders, jumped right 1st, not fluent and lost place 5th, not fluent 3 out, soon well beaten, 6th of 7, dist behind Pak Army (11-11) at Warwick 2m hcp (5) gd in May.
