tracked leader, closed before 7th, led after 3 out, hung left thereafter, soon in command, 15 lengths clear when swerved left on landing last and unseated rider
chased leaders until before 7th, well behind when pulled up before 2 out
held up, not fluent 6th, well held from next, left remote 3rd last, tailed off
led, headed after 3 out, soon beaten, 15 lengths 2nd when not fluent and left well clear last
held up in rear, went remote 3rd 7th until before 2 out, no chance, tailed off
chased leaders, not fluent 5th or 6th, well held from next, went remote 3rd before 2 out, left 2nd last
Now Then Charlie never looked like catching McIhatton when runner-up at Huntingdon last time and the winner has let the form down since. AZURE FLY makes more appeal as he finished clear of the rest of the field when finding only one too good at Fontwell on his return from a lay-off and hurdling debut. Charlie Longsdon's charge can open his account in this with Barney Rubble looking best of the remainder after a couple of outings in bumpers.
Azure Fly (IRE) 5-2fav (11-0) Mid-division, headway 3 out, chased leading pair when went badly left next, soon ridden, went 2nd and staying on when veered left and lost any chance flat, well held towards finish, 2nd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Breaking Bits (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 2f NH mdn hdl (4) gd in May.
Big Benjie 40-1 (10-11) Towards rear, weakened before 5f out, last of 11, well behind Amazing Scenes (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 1f NH flat (6) gd in May.
Bollin Sam 20-1 (10-12) Jumped left, soon well off the pace in 4th, hit 4th, no chance when went badly left 3 out, tailed off, 6th of 7, well behind Aazif (11-1) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd in May.
Now Then Charlie (IRE) 25-1 (10-6) Tracked clear leader, took closer order 4 out, effort after next, chased winner next, never able to challenge, 2nd of 10, 7l behind Mcllhatton (10-13) at Huntingdon 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Philchezski (IRE) 20-1 (10-9) Always towards rear, 10th of 11, well behind Amazing Scenes (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 1f NH flat (6) gd in May.
Barney Rubble 5-2 (10-7) Chased leaders, niggled along halfway, weakened over 3f out, 4th of 7, 16l behind Call The Cops (10-9) at Southwell 2m cond NH flat (6) gs in May.