tracked leader, ridden and slightly outpaced over 3f out, led on bit over 1f out, easily
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace, no chance with winner
in rear, outpaced 4f out, kept on final 2f
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, one pace
tracked leaders, challenged over 4f out, faded over 1f out
Theatrical Moment is hard to oppose here as he chases the hat-trick, and gets the confident vote ahead of Triton and Auroras Encore. Alan Swinbank does tremendously well in this sphere and his four-year-old has been emphatic in his two wins so far. He comes here instead of heading to the festival and will surely have too much class once again. The better ground today should be no problem at all and he looks a horse with a real future. Auroras Encore was soundly beaten behind the selection last time out, however he should be wiser for that run and looks the one likeliest to chase the selection home. Top Official was pretty one-paced on his debut but has place claims, whilst Triton was outpaced on his debut. He should come on for that run and has place claims, whilst Art Bank is the most interesting of the newcomers and should be watched in the market for signs of confidence. Ultimately it is impossible to oppose Theatrical Moment and he gets the nod.
Theatrical Moment (USA) 4-9fav (10-12) Raced keenly, led after 2f, made rest, quickened 7f out, drew clear over 1f out, very easily, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (5) sft in Feb beating Auroras Encore (10-10) by 18l, 10 ran.
Auroras Encore (IRE) 25-1 (10-10) Led 2f, chased leaders, outpaced 3f out, soon ridden, kept on to go 2nd final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 18l behind Theatrical Moment (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (5) sft in Feb.
Apache Brave (IRE) Kahtan gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler My Good Lord.
Art Bank Saddlers' Hall gelding, half-brother to several winning jumpers including Bosun's Mate.
Top Official (IRE) 50-1 (11-2) Mid-division, one pace final 3f, 5th of 11, 19l behind Tot O'Whiskey (11-9) at Catterick 2m nhf (5) gd in Feb.
Nodforms Paula (IRE) Rashar gelding, half-brother to winning jumper Longstone Lady & winning chaser Cansalrun.
Ormus 66-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway 4f out, ridden and effort over 2f out, left 3rd and hampered over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 13, 17l behind Turbo Linn (10-5) at Carlisle 1m 6f nhf (6) hvy in Oct.
Triton 11-2 (10-12) Held up, ridden halfway, outpaced over 4f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 14, 13l behind Pebrock (10-7) at Southwell 2m 4yo nhf (5) sft in Jan.
