held up in touch when hampered and unseated rider 2nd
raced keenly, disputed lead, hit 1st, led outright after 1st, headed 4th, not fluent 7th, blundered 9th, not fluent 3 out, made no impression on winner from approaching 2 out
disputed lead, headed after 1st, led 4th, ridden and went clear after 3 out, comfortably
chased leaders until blundered and unseated rider 2nd
NonRunner
This looks a trappy little heat but we will stick with DILIGENT. He has landed his last three front-running starts by a total of 68 lengths, though has risen 29lb in the weights as a consequence. He also goes up a grade here but he scored with plenty to spare last time and is taken to extend his winning spree. Away For Slates is consistent and looks a danger in receipt of weight all round while Sarasota Star is interesting on chase debut. Iconic Muddle can't be ignored but connections reach for a first-time tongue tie and cheekpieces for headstrong Dandolo Du Gite.
Iconic Muddle 5-1 (11-9) Close up, ridden 2 out, chased winner next, challenged flat, stayed on, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Exelerator Express (12-0) at Huntingdon 2m hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Dandolo Du Gite (FR) 13-8 (11-12) Jumped right at times, made most until 4 out, not fluent 3 out, soon weakened, last of 5, dist behind Fourth Of July (10-6) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (4) gs in Mar.
Diligent (FR) 2-5fav (12-2) Prominent, led 2nd, clear 4th, reduced advantage before 3 out, drew clear travelling strongly before last, easily, won at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (5) gf in Apr beating Etat Major Aulmes (11-12) by 8l, 7 ran.
Away For Slates (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, blundered and lost place 5th, hit 9th, rallied into 3rd after 3 out, went 2nd before went left last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 7l behind Counteract (10-4) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Sarasota Star (IRE) 9-1 (10-6) Tracked leaders, badly hampered by faller 2 out and unseated rider, at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp (2) gd in Apr.
