not fluent early, always behind
held up towards rear, headway 10th, chased leaders after 4 out, weakened from next
led to 2nd, tracked leaders, outpaced 3 out, left 10 lengths 2nd next, kept on, no chance with winner
mid-division, blundered 4th, hit 7th, ridden and outpaced 11th, no danger after
behind, headway into mid-division 9th, mistake next, outpaced 4 out, never on terms
raced keenly mid-division, headway 4 out, led narrowly when left clear 2 out, stayed on, easily
tracked leaders, headway to lead before 3 out, driven and headed narrowly when fell next
mid-division, lost place 8th, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders to 10th, behind when pulled up before 12th
mid-division on inside, headway and in touch 9th, lost place 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
in touch, joined leader 6th, ridden and outpaced approaching 3 out, weakened next
with leader, led 2nd, driven and headed before 3 out, left 3rd next, no impression
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
A tough opener and SAAFEND ROCKET is a tentative pick at the expense of Winchester Red and Caribbean Cove. The selection has been brought back to the racecourse after two seasons away and looks to be returning to something like the horse he was prior to absence. Granted, the handicapper has had an opportunity to strike though Matt Cawley's 8lb claim will be a help in redressing some of that balance. Winchester Red dotted up in a Worcester contest and could conceivably be well handicapped as the assessor had only soft ground form to work with. Caribbean Cove stays further than this trip and was once useful when trained by Venetia Williams. He unsurprisingly became very tired on his return after almost three years off the racecourse. Vital Spark was progressive at this time of the season last year so should not be too readily written out of the equation. Dead Mans Dante returns after two years away from life under rules. Sycho Fred was the subject of significant market support ahead of his most recent outing at Market Rasen though that confidence was not rewarded. Donald Will Do will be carrying a very light weight this afternoon and with Caroline Bailey always capable of springing a big price surprise, we will watch the market closely. Saafend Rocket can continue his fair run of form here.
That's An Honour (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Tracking leaders when blundered badly 14th, 5th of 13, 38l behind Native City (10-12) at Worcester 2m 7f nov chs 0-105 (4) gf in Jun.
Dead Mans Dante (IRE) 6-1 (12-0) Prom; led 15 til hdd app 2 out; kpt on flat, 3rd of 4, 4 1/2l behind Bunratty's Sole (12-6) at Northaw 3m ptp in May.
Oso Magic 6-1 (11-1) Chased leaders, led and mistake 13th, headed 4 out, soon weakened, 6th of 9, 40l behind Marufo (11-9) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Jun.
Caribbean Cove (IRE) 9-1 (10-8) In touch, headway halfway, close up approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching last, 6th of 9, 4l behind All Rise (9-9) at Hexham 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in Jun.
Sycho Fred (IRE) 17-2 (9-12) Held up in rear, hit 5th, never dangerous, 7th of 9, 32l behind Chorizo (10-8) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf.
Winchester Red 5-1 (11-7) Held up in rear, raced keenly, smooth headway after 9th, went slightly left and led last, in command flat, ridden and ran on well, won at Worcester 3m nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf beating Particle (11-5) by 4l, 14 ran.
Saafend Rocket (IRE) 7-1 (10-10) Chased leader, ridden after 4 out, led approaching 2 out, under pressure last, driven out, held on well, won at Southwell 2m 5f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Jun beating Charmahal (11-5) by 1l, 14 ran.
Classic Harry 33-1 (11-9) Held up towards rear, pushed along from 4th, never dangerous, 7th of 12, well behind Babe Heffron (11-11) at Cartmel 2m 5f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in May.
Bythehokey (IRE) 66-1 (10-9) Held up in rear, headway 5 out, weakened from 3 out, 6th of 14, 27l behind Saafend Rocket (10-10) at Southwell 2m 5f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Jun.
Zonic Boom (FR) 33-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway after 9th, ridden after 12th, soon weakened, 8th of 16, 37l behind Dan Ryan (10-12) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f stks (5) gd in Jun.
Donald Will Do (IRE) 11-4 (10-3) Chased leader, led 5th, ridden and headed briefly 10th, ridden approaching 3 out, headed 2 out, kept on, 3rd of 6, 9l behind Cold Mountain (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Jun.
Misamon (FR) 1-2 (12-7) Made all; lft clr 12; drvn out, won at Bonvilston 3m ptp gf in May beating Esters Boy (12-0) by 3l, 5 ran.
Good Man Again (IRE) 80-1 (9-10) In touch, struggling 2nd, behind after 4th, hampered 7th, tailed off, 8th of 12, well behind El Bandindos (11-12) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd in Jun.
Vital Spark 14-1 (10-9) Held up, jumped slowly 4th, weakened before 3 out, no chance when eased flat, 7th of 8, 30l behind Tubber Gael Holly (10-6) at Stratford 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Jun.
Dasher Reilly (USA) 66-1 (9-11) Always in rear, tailed off 7th, 5th of 12, well behind El Bandindos (11-12) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd in Jun.
