held up, hit 4th, headway after 4 out, stayed on and went modest 3rd 2 out, no chance with front pair
led, mistake 4 out, headed 3 out, weakened quickly
held up, headway 4 out, chased leading pair after next, went 2nd before 2 out, soon no chance with easy winner
in touch, ridden and weakened soon after 3 out, tailed off
held up, headway to track leading pair 8th, stumbled before 4 out, outpaced 3 out, no chance after
chased leaders, went 2nd after 7th, led 3 out, drew clear before next
behind when ran out 4th
chased leader until weakened before 7th, reluctant to run on, pulled up after 8th
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
An open contest in which Matt The Thrasher gets the vote ahead of Spider Boy, King Cyrus and Trigger Guard. The selection comes here on the back of a decent second at Frankie Figg. That run at Hexham was over three miles, but he should appreciate today's drop in trip and with the ground to suit, he should be able to gain his first hurdles win. Compared to his rating over fences he is well-treated and he should run a big race. Aya has won at the track before but was disappointing last time out, whilst Trigger Guard also disappointed when pulled up at Newton Abbot. Spider Boy comes here chasing the hat-trick and given that he was winless in 45 races previously, that looks some achievement. His usual pilot is missing and whilst he obviously likes this track, the feeling is that he needs to improve again. King Cyrus has found one too good on each of his last two runs, and whilst he is ultimately yet to win in 15 starts, he should get competitive. Herne Bay could be one who goes well at the price, as he has a good strike-rate for a horse of his ability, however we will return to Matt The Thrasher for the nomination.
Herne Bay (IRE) 7-1 (11-5) Held up, short lived effort under pressure approaching 3 out, soon no impression, 7th of 13, 23l behind Cava Bien (11-4) at Bangor 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Apr.
King Cyrus (IRE) 5-2fav (11-5) Chased leader, led 3rd, ridden and headed approaching last, kept on flat, 2nd of 16, 1 1/2l behind Sandymac (11-2) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Apr.
Papeete (GER) 33-1 (10-7) Mid-division until weakened after 7th, behind when pulled up at the 8th in race won by Classic Fiddle (10-7) at Fontwell 2m 2f beg chs (4) sft in Jan, 8 ran.
Matt The Thrasher (IRE) 9-4 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway 4 out, chased winner 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 11, 10l behind Frankie Figg (10-12) at Hexham 3m nov hdl (4) gf in Oct.
Aya 10-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, headway 4th, ridden and one pace from 3 out, 7th of 15, 15l behind Jeu d'Esprit (10-11) at Fontwell 2m 2f mrs mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Hail The King (USA) 14-1 (11-4) Mid-division, weakened approaching 3 out, 6th of 15, 38l behind Green Prospect (11-12) at Wincanton 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Apr.
Hoof It Harry (IRE) 28-1 (10-6) Chased leader, ridden and tracked winner after 3 out, kept on, 2nd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Cheating Chance (10-13) at Wincanton 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Dreams Jewel 12-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, steady progress from 7th, ridden to chase winner approaching 2 out, kept on, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 18, 5l behind Herald Angel (10-2) at Fontwell 2m 4f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in Mar.
Dauphin Des Carres (FR) 50-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, ridden after 6th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Highland Games (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f clm hdl (5) gs, 8 ran.
Lady Pilot 9-2 (11-12) Behind, headway approaching 2 out, stayed on, never nearer, 5th of 16, 16l behind Aimigayle (11-9) at Huntingdon 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd.
Anticipating 4-1fav (10-3) In touch, chased leaders approaching 3 out, weakened soon after, 7th of 12, 28l behind Fleet Street (11-6) at Newbury 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gs in Mar '07.
Trigger Guard 4-1fav (11-4) Mid-division, ridden after 6th, weakened next and pulled up in race won by Critical Stage (11-12) at N Abbot 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Apr, 11 ran.
Ower Empire (IRE) 16-1 (10-6) Never a factor, 20th of 25, well behind Drumconvis (10-11) at Naas 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-102 sft in Feb.
Spider Boy 17-2 (9-9) Made all, in command 2 out, pushed along, kept on well flat, won at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Apr beating In Media Res (11-7) by 1l, 6 ran.
