held up in touch, led well over 1f out, driven out
led, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, weakened over 2f out
chased leaders, led over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up, chased leaders over 3f out, stayed on over 1f out
held up and keen, pushed along, struggling halfway
held up towards rear, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened
held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders over 3f out, challenged well over 1f out, kept on to take 2nd entering final furlong
towards rear, soon pushed along, never dangerous
With respect to previous winners Double Expresso and Woodmore, we will take a chance on newcomer OWEN GLENDOWER in the bumper. Trainer Nicky Henderson could hardly be in much better form and his Anshan gelding, a half-brother to Dave's Dream - who was a bumper, hurdles and chase winner - is sure to be well prepared for his debut in this sphere. It is a discipline that is one of the handler's specialities, and he is suggested for those wishing to get involved. Double Expresso was an eight-length scorer here in a similar contest in the spring, so we know that he can go well fresh, and he is also proven on a sound surface. He is respected, although potentially vulnerable under a penalty. The same can be said of Woodmore, whom Conor O'Dwyer prepared to win a Wexford bumper in May, and who also has to show he can handle this faster surface. Club Class should improve for a debut outing, while Great Esteem is nicely bred and related to winners, while his trainer Charlie Egerton has also been among them lately, so watch the market for clues. Habbie Simpson looks the pick of the Alan King-trained pair on jockey bookings, although pedigree does not support that strongly, though in any case we prefer to side with Owen Glendower.
Double Expresso 11-2 (11-1) Mid-division on outside, headway over 5f out, went 2nd over 3f out, led 2f out, driven clear final furlong, won at Southwell 2m 1f mdn NH flat (6) gd in Apr beating Mooreheigh (10-11) by 8l, 11 ran.
Woodmore (IRE) 9-1 (11-11) Towards rear, headway into 6th 4f out, close 3rd 2f out, ridden to lead 1 1/2f out, edged right 1f out, kept on well, won at Wexford 2m N H flat sft in May beating Aughnacurraveel (11-11) by 1/2l, 15 ran.
Club Class 9-2 (10-6) Held up in rear, outpaced over 3f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong to go 3rd near finish, never nearer, 3rd of 10, 5l behind Pyracantha (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f NH flat (6) sft in Nov.
Distant Florin 28-1 (10-9) Tracked leader, led 7f out, headed 3f out, soon ridden, lost place 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 10, 16l behind Pyracantha (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f NH flat (6) sft in Nov.
Great Esteem (IRE) Carnival Dancer gelding out of California Dreamin.
Habbie Simpson Elmaamul gelding out of Hamanaka.
Harris Hawk Karinga Bay gelding out of Harristown Lady.
How U Doin (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Prom til wknd 2 out, 4th of 6, 12l behind Wantage Road (12-0) at Garthorpe 2m 4f ptp gf in Apr.
Kericho Alflora gelding out of Do It On Dani.
Owen Glendower (IRE) Anshan gelding out of Native Success.
Radical Bay Karinga Bay gelding out of Radical Lady.
Reel Weld Weld gelding out of Miss Montgomery.
Madame Jasmine 9-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, ridden 2f out, kept on final furlong, 2nd of 12, 4l behind Alverstone (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 2f N H flat (6) gd in Oct.
Starway To Heaven Beat All filly out of Gourmet.
