keen disputed lead, clear with winner until 8th, weakened 3 out, pulled up 2 out
in touch, closed on leaders 8th, headway and went 3rd at 14th, ridden 2 out, chased winner approaching last, kept on one pace
made most and soon clear with one other until reduced lead 8th, ridden 2 out, eased towards finish
tracked clear leaders, closed 8th, went 2nd 12th, ridden 2 out, lost 2nd approaching last, kept on same pace
in rear, detached from 7th, finish in own time
always in rear, tailed off
Abricot De L'Oasis will need to produce a career-best to repeat last year’s victory against some in-form rivals. ARTHUR’S SECRET (NAP) has bolted up twice at Ludlow this year and has also been successful around here in the past. Martin Weston’s charge can complete his hat-trick ahead of Taunton and Newbury winner Master Baker and Risk A Fine, whose only defeat so far this season came against the smart Monsieur Gibraltar at Wincanton. Port Melon has won a couple of times on Bangor’s points course this year but is having a first run under Rules for Josh Guerriero.
Arthur's Secret (FR) 8-15fav (12-6) Made all, shaken up and 2 lengths ahead when left well clear 4 out, won at Ludlow 2m 4f (4) gs in Mar beating Sam Cavallaro (11-12) by dist, 6 ran.
Master Baker 5-4fav (12-6) Held up in last pair, closer at 3rd, 2nd going well and carried left 3 out, soon led, driven right out, won at Newbury 2m 7f (6) gs in Mar beating Southfield Vic (12-6) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Risk A Fine (IRE) 6-4fav (12-2) Made all, went clear with one other after 10th, drew readily clear from 3 out, unchallenged after, pushed out, very easily, won at Warwick 2m 4f (6) gd in Mar beating Brave Jaq (12-0) by 21l, 6 ran.
Abricot De L'Oasis (FR) 7-2 (12-0) (cp) led til ur 6, at Andoversford 3m gd in Apr.
Port Melon (IRE) 4-6fav (12-7) (cp) hdwy 12; led 3 out; easy, won at Bangor-PTP 3m in Mar beating Belton Red Fox (12-0) by 12l, 7 ran.
Nautical Twilight 20-1 (11-7) (bl) went 2nd 6; ev ch last; wknd flat, 4th of 6, 5 3/4l behind Six A Side (12-7) at Sheriff Hutton 3m gd in Mar.
