tracked leaders, driven to chase clear leader before last, strong challenge and edged right flat, stayed on to dead heat on line
tracked leader until 4th, outpaced after 3 out, driven and no impression approaching 3 out
held up in touch, went 2nd 4th, ridden and no impression on winner when hit 2 out, lost 2nd and mistake last
mistake 2nd, always rear, weakened 3 out
led, clear after 2nd until 5th, drew clear again approaching 2 out, 4 lengths clear last, driven and edged left flat, joined post
took keen hold, setlled behind leaders until steadily lost place after 3rd, weakened 3 out
Penzance edges the nomination as the selection in the opener, with Araclis and Self Defence expected to pose the most problems along the way. Star Antique showed fair form during his time in France but his British debut leaves him with plenty to find and, like Alph and Lewis Island, he is best left alone for the time being. Self Defence is a consistent type that can never be confidently ruled out. He likes this course and is a lively contender for consideration at fair odds. He does need everything to drop into place for him though. Arcalis has only had three starts since the turn of the year, so is relatively fresh. This is arguably his easiest assignment of the campaign so far and is sure to be a popular choice. However, Penzance has plenty of ability when he gets it right and, as he has a live chance on these terms he gets the nod. Especially if the first time blinkers fire him up for what will be only his second visit to Sandown.
Arcalis 11-1 (11-7) Held up in rear, headway approaching 4 out, ridden approaching 3 out, no extra from last, 4th of 11, 7l behind Al Eile (11-7) at Aintree 2m 4f hdl Grd 1 (1) gd.
Self Defense 25-1 (11-8) Held up, ridden and weakened from 4 out, 11th of 22, 22l behind Two Miles West (10-7) at Aintree 2m 4f lst hcp hdl (1) gd.
Alph 66-1 (10-3) fell in race won by Bambi De L'orme (10-2) at Aintree 2m hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gd, 15 ran.
Lewis Island (IRE) 12-1 (10-10) Led to start, took keen hold, held up, headway to chased leaders when clipped heels and unseated rider approaching 6th unseated rider 4 out in race won by Visibility (10-8) at Towcester 2m 3f sll hdl (5) gd in Mar, 9 ran.
Penzance 14-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, ridden after 4 out, weakening when hit 2 out, 7th of 8, 16l behind Emmpat (10-7) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl Grd 2 (1) gf.
Star Antique (FR) 100-1 (10-7) Led, hit 4th, headed after next, weakened 4 out and pulled up 3 out in race won by Al Eile (11-7) at Aintree 2m 4f hdl Grd 1 (1) gd, 11 ran.
