chased leader until ridden and weakened quickly approaching 2 out
led, mistake 3rd, headed soon after 2 out, weakened and hit last
chased leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace and no impression when hit last
held up, in touch, quickened to lead soon after 2 out, clear last, eased flat
not fluent 1st, held up in touch, effort approaching 2 out, soon ridden and no response, beaten when hit last
chased leaders until weakened quickly 3 out
pulled hard, held up, headway 4th, challenged on bit approaching 2 out, no chance with winner soon after 2 out, kept on for 2nd
Migwell, Serpentine Rock and Space Cowboy should be the three three to fight this out at the finish and the vote is given to Migwell. The selection ran well in a competitive handicaps last season and although he disappointed in his last start that could be put down to the fast ground. He returns to the fray off what remains a fair mark and despite top weight he has conditions that he will relish today and he should lead them home. Space Cowboy would have claims on the pick of his form but he was disappointing at Cheltenham last time and with this ground against him we are happy to oppose him on this occasion. Serpentine Rock progressed with each run last season and he won well on his only run to date over hurdles. He is sure to learn from the experience, his yard are in form and he will handle this ground so he has an obvious chance. Redi is another that would have a chance on his best form but he tends to need his first run of the season and we will stick with Migwell who looks the one they all have to beat.
Migwell (FR) 11-2fav (10-8) In touch, ridden after 8th, weakened 2 out, 16th of 20, well behind Genghis (10-13) at Aintree 2m 4f lst hcp hdl (A) gs in Apr.
Manorson (IRE) 16-1 (10-8) Towards rear, headway 7th, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last, 9th of 20, 16l behind Genghis (10-13) at Aintree 2m 4f lst hcp hdl (A) gs in Apr.
Serpentine Rock 12-1 (10-12) Prominent, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, ran on, won at Warwick 2m nov hdl (E) hvy in Dec beating Miko de Beauchene (10-9) by 3/4l, 21 ran.
Verasi 7-1 (11-4) Mid-division, ridden after 5th, weakened after 6th, 9th of 11, well behind At Your Request (11-4) at Fontwell 2m 2f 4yo hdl (E) gd in Apr.
Redi (ITY) 11-1 (10-13) Mid-division, ridden and weakened after 2 out, 18th of 24, 28l behind Dabiroun (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 4yo hcp hdl (A) gd in Mar.
Space Cowboy (IRE) 6-1 (10-6) In touch, weakened after 4 out, 8th of 11, 33l behind Cantgeton (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-135 (E) gd in Oct.
Kawagino (IRE) 9-1 (10-4) Pulled hard behind leaders, led after 3 out, soon clear, easily, won at N Abbot 2m 1f nov hdl (E) gf in Jun '04 beating Minibule (10-4) by 24l, 5 ran.
