held up in rear, headway 3 out, no impression next, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, not fluent 2nd or 7th, led after 3 out, headed last, outpaced flat
chased leader, ridden after 3 out, challenged 2 out, led last, ran on
led until after 3 out, one pace next
held up in rear, ridden and outpaced after 3 out, no impression after
chased leader, not fluent 8th, lost place before 2 out
Invicta Lake is 11lb higher than when landing this 12 months ago and has his work cut out this year. The 2013 winner, Cannon Fodder, hasn't won since and was only fifth last year but Floral Spinner was in good form around this time last season and could play a part if fully wound-up. LISTEN AND LEARN is a little one-paced but Richard Johnson takes over the reins from a conditional following last month's third over track and trip and another win is overdue. He's preferred to Morestead Screamer and the returning The Boss's Dream.
Invicta Lake (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) In rear, outpaced before 2 out, soon ridden, never dangerous, 9th of 10, dist behind Aqalim (11-2) at Cheltenham 3m hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Listen And Learn (IRE) 13-2 (11-2) Held up in touch, hampered 5th, ridden before last, one pace, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Kilfinichen Bay (11-11) at Plumpton 3m 1f hcp (3) gd in Sep.
The Boss's Dream (IRE) 12-1 (11-5) Held up, headway on inside after 4th, pushed along before 8th, outpaced approaching 3 out, no impression after, 4th of 8, 11 1/4l behind Rolling Maul (11-12) at Warwick 3m 1f hcp (3) sft in Mar.
Cannon Fodder 10-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, not fluent 8th, outpaced before 4 out, rallied from 2 out, went 2nd flat, stayed on, not reach winner, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Sir Mangan (11-2) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Floral Spinner 9-2fav (11-12) Held up behind, headway before 2 out, kept on to take 2nd place towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 13l behind Phare Isle (11-4) at Huntingdon 3m 2f hcp (4) gs in Mar.
Morestead Screamer 14-1 (10-0) Held up in rear, not fluent 9th, outpaced before 4 out, stayed on flat, went 4th towards finish, no impression, 4th of 7, 8 3/4l behind Sir Mangan (11-2) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp (3) gd in Oct.
