with leader, led approaching 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, headed last, one pace
held up in touch, led on bit after 2 out, shaken up and headed last, kept on gamely to regain lead last 50 yards
led, headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened
held up towards rear and keen, headway approaching 2 out, led last, kept on and headed last 50 yards
held up mid-division, hit 3 out, headway approaching next, soon weakened
held up towards rear, weakened from 3 out
held up mid-division, weakened after 3 out
in rear, pushed along 3rd, headway and blundered 2 out, jumped left last, one pace
tracked leaders, weakened after 3 out
held up in rear, headway approaching 2 out, no impression
It's difficult to get away from BARREL OF FUN who can prove too strong for Barron Watlass and Takaatuf. It's a long way up to Sedgefield from the Sussex coast for this contest and it may be a concern as to how Barrel Of Fun travels but he should still have too much firepower for this opposition. Penalties for his wins at Wincanton and Plumpton make life harder but he looks to have enough in hand. Barron Watlass only has the one penalty to contend with and that success came over two and a half miles at this track four runs ago. His official mark is 20lbs lower than the selection's which is a measure of the task he faces. Takaatuf was a fair handicapper for Mark Johnston and he could be of interest on his second start over hurdles as he certainly has the ability to make it at this game. He was well beaten at Hexham though and Barrel Of Fun should have the last laugh.
Barrel Of Fun (IRE) 13-8fav (11-1) With leader, led after 3 out, kicked on approaching 2 out, ridden approaching last, well in command and pushed out flat, won at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gf beating Fidelis (10-12) by 5l, 11 ran.
Barron Watlass (IRE) 9-1 (11-11) Chased leaders, took closer order 5th, led 3 out, headed next, no extra after last, 3rd of 16, 16l behind Beidh Tine Anseo (11-2) at Kelso 2m cond nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd.
Daniel's Dream 250-1 (10-7) In touch, driven and outpaced on long run to last, soon weakened, 7th of 12, 24l behind Montoya's Son (10-9) at Hexham 2m nov hdl (4) gs.
Heart of Dubai (USA) 16-1 (8-7) Slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 12, 13l behind Four Kicks (8-5) at Nottingham 1m app hcp 0-60 (6) gd (flat).
Musca (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, raced keenly, headway approaching 3 out, 4th and weakening when mistake 2 out, 5th of 9, 36l behind Josephine Malines (10-7) at Cartmel 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gd in Jul.
Steel Giant (USA) 66-1 (10-12) Held up mid-division, weakened approaching 3 out, 9th of 12, 22l behind Alvarado (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gf in Oct.
Barbarian 33-1 (10-12) Led, headed 2 out, weakened from last, 4th of 16, 14l behind Jeronimo Joe (10-7) at Catterick 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Everaard (USA) 66-1 (10-12) In rear, reminders after 3rd, weakened from 5th, 7th of 10, well behind Open Day (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f 4yo nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Island Chief 16-1 (8-13) Missed break, behind until headway to chase leaders after 2f, ridden 4f out, lost place well over 2f out, soon weakened, 7th of 8, 34l behind Royal Dignitary (9-5) at Southwell 1m clm stks (6) fbs (flat).
Takaatuf (IRE) 8-1 (10-7) Prominent, weakened after 2 out, 6th of 13, well behind Quatro Pierji (11-0) at Hexham 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Camomile 150-1 (10-0) Held up towards rear, weakened approaching 4 out, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Chief Bucaneer (10-12) at Wetherby 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Apr, 12 ran.
Barga Boy (IRE) 250-1 (10-11) Hampered after 2f, always behind, tailed off 3f out, last of 17, well behind Nuts N Bolts (10-11) at Carlisle 2m 1f NH flat (6) sft in Mar.
