raced keenly in touch, led over 3f out to over 2f out, no extra when hung left final furlong
held up, headway 3f out, led over 2f out, driven clear final furlong
held up, outpaced over 4f out, soon beaten
keen early, held up, outpaced over 3f out, never on terms
in touch, outpaced over 4f out, soon weakened
held up, headway 6f out, outpaced over 2f out, soon no impression
in touch, led and quickened clear after 3f, soon hung badly left and raced wide, headed over 3f out, ran out 2f out
in touch, driven and outpaced 3f out, stayed on same pace final 2f, no impression
led 3f, close up until lost place 6f out, soon weakened, tailed off
The progressive RUSSIAN WAR has a tough task under his cumulative penalties but he is fancied to see off General Miller, Montoya's Son and Sheriff Hall. Gordon Elliott's former winning point-to-pointer has proven to be a very good animal on quick ground and both of his bumper wins have come over this course and distance. Another Quinlan takes the ride and his 5lb claim will be invaluable. Claude Carter and Arran Lawy join Willie Hall on the list of horses who have shown some potential without winning, whilst General Miller has been off the track for three months since winning on his debut at Kempton; quicker ground is the question mark with him. Montoya's Son, who cost ¿69,000 at Cheltenham in January, and Sherrif Hall, a well-related son of leading sire Saddlers' Hall, are two four-year-old debutants of interest, whilst Colour Clash is an interesting newcomer for rookie trainer Rose Dobbin. A tough finale but we are happy to side with Russian War.
Russian War (IRE) 13-8 (11-4) Chased leaders, smooth headway to lead over 2f out, driven out from over 1f out, won at Perth 2m NH flat (6) gd in Jul beating Diklers Oscar (10-9) by 4 1/2l, 10 ran.
General Miller 5-2 (10-7) Tracked leaders, led 2f out, ridden and edged right final furlong, ran on well, won at Kempton 2m NH flat (6) sft in Jan beating Volador (11-4) by 1 3/4l, 13 ran.
Blaqjack (IRE) Anshan gelding out of Mrs Byrne.
Claude Carter 6-1 (10-11) Mid-division, headway to chase winner final 2f, ridden and kept on one pace, 2nd of 12, 6l behind Gilbarry (10-9) at Kelso 2m NH flat (6) gd in Mar.
Magnushomesdotcom (IRE) Daylami gelding out of Perfect Alibi.
Montoya's Son (IRE) Flemensfirth gelding out of Over The Grand.
Sheriff Hall (IRE) Saddlers' Hall gelding out of Derravarra Breeze.
Solway Ally Alflora filly out of Rita Larkin.
Overwells And Beyond filly out of Over The Tweed.
Arran Law (IRE) 40-1 (11-4) Towards rear, headway and prominent over 6f out, one pace final 2f, 5th of 16, 13l behind Malakai (10-12) at Hexham 2m mdn NH flat (6) gd.
Colour Clash Rainbow Quest gelding out of Ancara.
Willie Hall 20-1 (10-13) Held up, in touch halfway, dispute with lead over 2f out, no extra entering final furlong, 2nd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Witherspoon (10-13) at Ayr 2m NH flat (6) sft in Mar.
Fearless Footsteps Dancing High filly out of Harrietfield.
