chased clear winner, went 2nd 5th, never on terms
prominent in chasing group, outpaced from halfway, no chance with winner
behind and pulled up after 1st
led and soon clear, not fluent, unchallenged
Nonrunner
Rouge Et Noir has been found a suitable opportunity to open his account over hurdles, with only Guerilla seen as a danger. This is a really poor race, and one in which Peter Monteith can quickly work the oracle with Rouge Et Noir who has had two outings on the Flat for the stable since leaving Keith Reveley. The eight-year-old was considered far better than his handicap mark on the Flat last year, but managed to win just the once, so maybe a spell back over timber will renew his enthusiasm. As he was a stayer on the Flat, today's trip will be in his favour, as will the fast ground,and his new connections can look forward to a quick recoup. Ex-Australian performer Guerilla looked one to follow when scoring at Wetherby in April but has been out of form in two runs here since. He has to give 6lb to the selection and needs to improve markedly to have a chance. The other four runners have nothing to recommend them at all, and so Rouge Et Noir has obvious claims.
Guerilla (AUS) 14-1 (10-9) Always behind, 6th of 8, 23l behind Sun King (10-2) at Perth 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gf.
Incas (FR) 22-1 (11-10) Mid-division, ridden approaching out, soon one pace and pulled up at the last in race won by Munaawesh (10-9) at Perth 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf, 15 ran.
Marfleet 80-1 (10-12) Always behind, lost touch approaching 3 out, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Wiggy Smith (11-5) at Perth 2m nov hdl (4) gf, 13 ran.
Rastaquouere (FR) 16-1 (11-12) Raced freely, led 5th, raced very wide after 7 out, headed next, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up in race won by Dubai Bound (11-12) at Thurles 2m 2f beg chs gd in Apr, 12 ran.
Rouge Et Noir 12-1 (11-6) Held up, chased leaders approaching 2 out, one pace from next, 5th of 11, 9l behind Galero (11-6) at Catterick 2m 3f nov hdl (E) gd in Jan '05.
Bobbing Cove 10-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, weakened quickly from 2 out, 10th of 12, well behind Optimistic Harry (10-0) at Cartmel 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in May.