in touch, ridden over 7f out, weakened over 4f out, tailed off
tracked leaders, went 2nd over 7f out, ridden to lead 2f out, all out
chased leaders until weakened over 4f out, tailed off
led, ridden and headed 2f out, rallied gamely inside final furlong, just failed
chased leaders, ridden over 4f out, one pace after
held up in rear, stayed on to go 3rd 1f out, never on terms with leaders
Mr Ex has experience of the course and, having shaped up nicely on his debut, gets the nod over Dontelldonandgerry and Its A Classic, who head the list of challengers from those with experience. Flying Spur is an interesting newcomer to note in the betting. Flying Spur has a good mixture of speed and stamina in his pedigree and, as a half-brother to Crookstown Castle, can be expected to know what is required of him in due course. Martin Pipe has an excellent strike-rate at this course and he is sure to be a popular choice. Its A Classic will be suited by a test of stamina in due course and it will be interesting to see how this son of Classic Cliche fares this afternoon. However, he will need to settle better than he did on his debut at Worcester and he looks more of a long term prospect. Dontelldonandgerry was also a little free the first time he raced but fared a good deal better on his reappearance a fortnight ago. Good to firm ground obviously suits him and he can make a fist of things today. However, preference goes to Mr Ex, who put in a very encouraging display behind a very well regarded type of Jonjo O'Neill's here earlier this month. The Garry Moore-trained gelding created the impression that he would have benefited greatly from that outing and he is expected to be a lot wiser when he is asked for effort on this occasion.
Bryans Bach (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Always towards rear, 11th of 13, well behind Ericas Charm (10-9) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (H) gf in Jul.
Flying Spur (IRE) Norwich gelding, half-brother to winning chaser Mattys Joy and hurdler Crookstown Castle.
Holmwood Legend 40-1 (10-10) Pulled hard in touch, lost place 7f out, soon behind, 9th of 10, well behind Long Road Home (10-13) at N Abbot 2m 1f nhf (H) gf.
Its A Classic 100-1 (11-2) Took keen hold, chased leaders, switched right over 3f out, soon weakened, 9th of 15, 31l behind Youlbesolucky (11-4) at Worcester 2m nhf (H) gf in Jul.
Dontelldonandgerry 12-1 (10-9) Led 3f, led 6f until 5f out, one pace final 2f, 3rd of 17, 7l behind Fountain Crumble (10-8) at Worcester 2m nhf (H) gf.
Hypark (IRE) 33-1 (10-4) Never better than mid-division, 9th of 17, 31l behind Fountain Crumble (10-8) at Worcester 2m nhf (H) gf.
Milanshan (IRE) Anshan mare, half-sister to winning hurdler Milan King and chaser Even More.
Mr Ex (ARG) 10-1 (10-6) Prominent, ridden and headway 4f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 10, 4l behind Long Road Home (10-13) at N Abbot 2m 1f nhf (H) gf.
