held up in last trio, headway on long run to 3 out, went modest 2nd on inside briefly soon after 3 out, well held 3rd when blundered 2 out, weakened soon after
held up in last trio, headway on long run to 3 out, driven and weakened soon after
pulled hard, headway to lead after 1st, set good pace and clear before 4th, 15 lengths ahead on long run to 3 out, about 8 lengths clear and ridden when blundered last, always holding flat
took keen hold in last trio, struggling on long run to 3 out, tailed off
led, hit 1st, headed soon after, chased clear winner after, hit 3 out, soon dropped to 4th, rallied to 3rd last, no chance with leading duo
chased leaders, chased clear winner after 3 out, about 8 lengths down last, hung left and kept on flat, always held
chased leading pair until weakened on long run to 3 out
Nonrunner
Bottomless ground suits both Calzaghe and our pick here, LORD SINGER. Gary Moore already has a fine record at the track and his Lord Singer is 9lbs higher than when a comfortable winner at Fontwell last time out in a novices' handicap contest. He hadn't fully convinced when tried over 2m 5f prior to that, and this drop back to 2m on really testing ground looks to be just the ticket to further success for a gelding with the potential for further progress. Calzaghe is a thoroughly exposed performer, though no less admirable for that. He also has a penchant for these conditions, as evidenced by a selling win at Uttoxeter last time. This would be his optimum trip and he is respected, though he will find it hard enough in handicap company from today's mark. Gizmondo is another Gary Moore inmate, though fast ground clearly appears to be his thing and he can be opposed on that basis, while a better proposition looks to be Alph, who represents the in-form Roger Teal stable. Despite being a veteran and exposed at that, he acts here and with cut in the ground and he might be good enough to take home some prize money. Lord Singer is selected.
Calzaghe (IRE) 11-4 (11-5) Took keen hold early, held up in touch, led 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, driven clear final 100 yards, won at Uttoxeter 2m sll hdl (4-8yo) (5) hvy in Feb beating No Wonga (11-2) by 4 1/2l, 13 ran.
Alph 28-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway 6th, led after 3 out, headed approaching last , weakened flat, 4th of 16, 15l behind Oenologue (11-1) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Feb.
Lord Singer (FR) 3-1fav (11-5) Tracked leaders, took keen hold, went second 5th, led 3 out, ridden clear approaching last, driven out, won at Fontwell 2m 2f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Jan beating Near The Water (11-12) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
Gizmondo 7-1 (11-11) Held up, headway when wandered approaching 2 out, soon every chance, disputed lead last, driven, stayed on towards finish, always held by winner, 2nd of 7, nk behind Elaala (11-6) at Huntingdon 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf in May.
Phantom Lad (IRE) 33-1 (11-9) Mid-division, headway 4th, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, 12th of 16, 39l behind Oenologue (11-1) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Feb.
Just Beware 25-1 (10-4) Always behind, tailed off, 10th of 16, 39l behind Qaspal (11-5) at Kempton 2m cond hcp hdl 0-1115 (4) gs in Feb.
Bridge of Fermoy (IRE) 50-1 (11-7) Behind, some headway approaching 3out, no chance when almost unseated rider 2 out and last, 7th of 11, 29l behind Romney Marsh (11-6) at Plumpton 2m hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs in Feb.
Ray Diamond 7-1 (11-5) Chasesd leader, led 3 out, headed before 2 out, weakened between last 2, 4th of 12, 17l behind The Rainbow Hunter (11-1) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) hvy in Jan.
Spider Boy 150-1 (11-2) Led, headed 4 out, soon ridden, weakened after next, 4th of 6, 32l behind Punjabi (11-10) at Kempton 2m hdl (2) sft in Feb.
