mistake 1st, made most to 3 out, weakened under pressure soon after
took keen hold, prominent, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened soon after
raced wide, mostly tracked leader, led briefly and mistake 5th, hit next, chased leading pair under pressure after 3 out, weakened before next
in touch, headway 6th, led 3 out, soon clear, unchallenged after
close up, chased winner after 3 out, no impression next, lost modest 2nd flat
took keen hold in touch, headway 5th, plugged on to take 3rd and blundered 2 out, went poor 2nd flat
held up in last pair, not look keen and lost touch from after 5th, tailed off
behind, driven along 4th, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up approaching 3 out
chased leaders until blundered 5th and pulled up
not fluent in rear, ridden 4th, soon lost touch, tailed off
John Charles is selected in preference to Accumulus and Wingman, while Charmahal is also respected but had his limitations exposed on his debut for Jonjo O'Neill and needs to post an improved effort. Wingman was a nightmare to follow on the Flat and never really lived up to his potential. However, the switch in codes may revitalise him and, as this is a modest race, he could easily be a leading player. Accumulus showed what he is capable of when wining at Hereford on his penultimate start. However, he failed to sparkle in slightly better company last time and faces no easy task on these terms. Therefore, we turn to John Charles, whose Uttoxeter defeat of Self respect is the best piece of form on offer so far. he was far from disgraced against some useful types at Ascot last month and is fancied to relish today's ease in grade.
Accumulus 9-2 (10-9) Held up, headway 4 out, chased leaders next, staying on same pace when hit last, 5th of 18, 18l behind Buster Hyvonen (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m nov hdl (4) gf.
John Charles (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) In touch, ridden when mistake 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 10, 40l behind Armariver (11-3) at Ascot 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Oct.
Charmahal (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) In touch, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened, 5th of 17, 24l behind Bleak House (11-0) at Aintree 2m mdn hdl (3) gd in Oct.
Harcourt (USA) 10-1 (10-11) Mid-division until weakened approaching 2 out, 9th of 13, 25l behind Dorneys Well (10-10) at Exeter 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Apr.
Leighton Buzzard 3-1fav (9-3) Towards rear, headway well over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 12, 10l behind Some Diva (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol (Flat).
Narlen (CZE) 33-1 (10-9) Soon well behind, struggling 6th, 6th of 9, 48l behind Ken's Dream (11-3) at Plumpton 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Apr.
Phal 40-1 (11-0) In touch until 4th, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Enlightenment (11-0) at Worcester 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Oct, 13 ran.
Wingman (IRE) 5-1 (9-8) Held up in touch, ridden on outside 2f out, no impression, 6th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Ardea Brave (8-13) at Kempton 1m 4f app hcp (4) pol in Sept (Flat).
