tracked leader until outpaced approaching 3 out, kept on well again to take 3rd flat
led at strong pace and soon clear, mistake 6th, headed 3 out, weakened before next
held up in rear, headway 6th, soon chased leaders, led after 3 out, 2 lengths clear when hit 2 out, joined last, headed and bumped flat, no extra
close up disputing 4th until lost place 5th, driven and struggling when hit 3 out
took keen hold, tracked leading pair to 4th, soon steadied in touch, mistake 3 out, rallied from 2 out, challenged and mistake last, led flat, edged left, kept on well under pressure
held up disputing 4th, tracked leading pair 4th, led 3 out, headed soon after, weakened before last
Nonrunner
The connections of Sweet World must be sick of the sight of MARIA ANTONIA, but the latter can again emerge victorious in that match up for the fourth time in succession, while Pepperoni Pete and L'Eau Du Nil have claims. Maria Antonia is 4lbs worse off today with Sweet World for beating him seven lengths at Newton Abbot last time. She loves fast ground and this sort of trip, and she again looks capable of maintaining those placings. Sweet World has at least got the better of the selection once, so there is some hope for potential backers, and the gap between them should narrow today. Pepperoni Pete might find the ground a bit too quick for him to produce his best, but he does at least act on good to firm and he has some very solid form coming into the contest. He can take advantage should there be any mishaps with the selection. L'Eau Du Nil won a Stratford handicap hurdle in March and can certainly get competitive from this mark, though he would need the rains to come to enhance his chance. Olivino will relish conditions and trip today but probably needs a drop in the weights before winning again, and the leading role can go to Maria Antonia.
Pepporoni Pete (IRE) 14-1 (10-4) Mid-division, headway 5th, led approaching last, soon clear, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Rajeh (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd.
Maria Antonia (IRE) 7-2fav (11-0) Led, raced keenly, not fluent 3rd, headed approaching 5th, led 6th, headed 2 out, not quicken flat, 4th of 15, 2 1/4l behind Dancewiththedevil (10-13) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gf.
Sweet World 7-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, raced keenly, headway approaching 5th, mistake 3 out, 2nd approaching 2 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 13, 7l behind Maria Antonia (11-6) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Aug.
Olivino (GER) 11-2 (11-5) Held up in touch, hit 2nd, effort 3f out, never on terms, 3rd of 10, 12l behind King Of The Titans (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd.
Tiger O'Toole (IRE) 7-1 (11-10) Held up in rear, hampered on bend approaching 5th, struggling after 3 out, never dangerous, 5th of 13, 24l behind Maria Antonia (11-6) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Aug.
Kashmina 6-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 11, 49l behind Art Exhibition (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f 3yo nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
L'Eau Du Nil (FR) 6-1 (11-6) Held up, not fluent 1st, hit 6th, ridden and stayed on from 3 out, took 2nd last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 10l behind Little Bob (10-8) at Aintree 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gs in May.
Just Beware 25-1 (10-8) Held up in rear, ridden 4 out, soon beaten, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Runaround Sue (10-6) at Hereford 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Jun, 14 ran.
