led until after 1st, tracked leading pair until after 5th, soon struggling in rear, tailed off and eased before 3 out, pulled up before next
held up in rear, lost touch and struggling before 3 out, tailed off
raced on inside, took keen hold, led after 1st until after 5th, chased leading pair, rallied to modest 2nd just before 2 out, no chance with winner
prominent, chased leader after 1st, led after 5th, riddden and headed before 2, soon no chance with leading duo, lost 3rd after last
raced on inner, took keen hold, held up, headway to 3rd after 6th, led before 2 out, soon clear, easily
tracked leading trio, went 3rd after 5th until after next, weakened soon after
held up in 5th, struggling before 3 out, plugged on to modest 3rd after last
SPEAR THISTLE has questions to answer but he acts on the surface and can surprise Raquel White and Lord SInger. Regrettably his recent efforts have not really been his true running as the handicapper has had a close grip. But, with the yard in better form and optimum conditions today, he may well run a race much better than his price suggests. Raquel White took a mares only race at the course and attempts to graduate against allcomers. The market will tell us whether the handicapper's assessment is correct or not. Lord Singer was well beaten at Newbury when stepping up in grade. He had previously shown progressive form with victories at Plumpton and Fontwell. Screaming Brave has looked a potentially useful sort in his three runs under this code. He certainly seems markedly different from the moderate sort he appeared on the flat. Olympian is not as good as his former Martin Pipe trained namesake though he has exhibited ability on the surface in the past. Sonning Star was something of a surprise victor last time out and will not be such generous odds on this occasion. Spear Thistle is selected.
Spear Thistle 15-2 (11-12) Prominent, ridden when close up before 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, tailed off, 8th of 11, well behind Mohayer (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) hvy in Feb.
Lord Singer (FR) 8-1 (11-8) Led, took keen hold, brought to stands side approaching 3 out, ridden and headed after 2 out, soon beaten, 4th of 9, 11l behind County Zen (11-8) at Newbury 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Mar.
Raquel White 1-3fav (11-2) Made all, keen early, not fluent 3 out, strongly challenged next, stayed on well, driven out (no time taken), won at Plumpton 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gs in Mar beating Good Faloue (10-7) by 2l, 6 ran.
Sonning Star (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Made all, ridden and joined last, stayed on gamely, won at Fakenham 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Mar beating Benedict Spirit (10-6) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Olympian (FR) 6-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, badly hampered and unseated rider 4th, in a race won by County Zen (11-8) at Newbury 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Mar, 9 ran.
Petito (IRE) 10-1 (11-9) Raced keenly, led, pushed 3 lengths clear 2 out, headed between last 2, no chance with winner when hit last, 2nd of 10, 5l behind Hiddensee (9-11) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd in Mar.
Just Beware 200-1 (11-0) Mid-division, mistake 5th, hit next, soon ridden, weakened next, tailed off, 15th of 17, well behind Quevega (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hdl G2 (1) gs in Mar.
Screaming Brave 5-6fav (11-5) Led, ridden after 2 out, tired jumping last, soon headed, no extra, 2nd of 12, 2 3/4l behind Corredor Sun (10-12) at Warwick 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
