close up, pushed along 3 out, soon outpaced, ridden and rallied approaching last
tracked leader, ridden to lead into straight approaching 2 out, not fluent and headed last, faded flat
towards rear, headway and close up 4 out, every chance 2 out, ridden to lead next, headed run in
keen tracked leaders, led 2nd, pushed along and headed into straight approaching 2 out, weakened last
led, headed 2nd, tracked leader until approaching 5th, soon lost place, behind 4 out
in rear, pushed along 5th, outpaced 3 out, ridden and headway approaching last, never nearer
close up, tracked leaders 4 out, effort on inner into straight, switched left approaching last, ridden to lead run in, ran on
NonRunner
Tara Iti has won twice here before and 10lb claimer Rob Hargreaves was successful on board the gelding at Fontwell last season. Western Soldier made all to land the odds over course and distance two weeks ago but is taking on more experienced opposition today. Another course winner, Hecouldbetheone, has been off the track for a while but Spartan Army placed on the Flat at Bath last month and should make a bold bid to make a winning start in handicaps. An early blunder didn’t help Parc D'Amour at Huntingdon but he’s become expensive to follow. WEST END BOY (NAP) bolted up at Wincanton last week and, as that was a conditionals race, he escapes a penalty in this. With Freddie Gingell able to claim his full 7lb here, he’s going to be very hard to beat.
Hecouldbetheone (IRE) 8-11fav (12-0) Led and set steady pace, joined and pushed along 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, ridden between last two, well held, no chance with winner, 2nd of 3, 8 1/2l behind Milan Bridge (12-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f (4) gd in Apr.
Spartan Army (IRE) 15-2 (10-3) In rear, went 5th 8f out, pushed along and outpaced 4f out, ridden and headway to go 3rd over 2f out, no impression from over 1f out, 3rd of 6, 19 1/4l behind Campaign Trail (9-7) at Bath 1m 6f hcp (4) hvy in Oct.
Parc d'Amour (IRE) 6-4fav (11-11) Took keen hold, held up in rear, mistake 2nd, closed 3 out, 3rd and no impression on winner flat, kept on, 3rd of 6, 5 1/2l behind Enthused (11-13) at Huntingdon 2m hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Western Soldier (GER) 4-5fav (11-0) Led, briefly headed 1st where awkward, pressed for lead 3 out where not fluent, travelling best when 3 lengths clear 2 out, extended advantage approaching last, pushed out run-in, easily, won at Plumpton 2m (4) gs in Oct beating Flidais (10-7) by 7l, 8 ran.
Sniper Point (FR) 16-1 (10-13) Chased leader, lost second before 2 out, soon faded, 3rd of 5, 23 1/4l behind Vicki Vale (11-7) at Taunton 2m (4) gs in Apr.
Tara Iti 18-1 (10-8) Held up in rear, travelling okay when unseated rider 3 out, at Plumpton 2m hcp (3) gs in Oct.
West End Boy (IRE) 13-2 (10-7) Midfield, took closer order before 2 out, led on landing 2 out, soon asserted, ran on strongly run-in, easily, won at Wincanton 1m 7f hcp (4) sft in Oct beating Amelia's Dance (11-8) by 10l, 10 ran.
Estacas (GER) 28-1 (11-5) Off the pace in last pair, never involved, 8th of 11, 24 3/4l behind Rebel Intentions (10-3) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Nov.
