led after 2f, hung left and headed over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out
behind, effort over 5f out, soon weakened
prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, pushed along after 4f, weakened halfway
held up and raced wide, headway over 5f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on
raced wide and behind, ridden and headway over 5f out, weakened over 1f out
led 2f, prominent, pushed along over 5f out, weakened over 3f out
held up, headway halfway, weakened over 4f out
keen, mid-division, headway 10f out, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
mid-division, headway 10f out, led over 2f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, not quicken
Top Ram has a good chance of gaining a second bumper success, with Jobsworth, Victor George and Ordre de Bataille perhaps his main rivals. Top Ram created a big impression with the manner of his victory over the course-and-distance last month, the six-year-old changing gear nicely to take it up turning for home before holding on well from previous winner Sword Of Damascus. That form is not bad, and he should be up to defying a penalty today. Jobsworth was touched off in a close finish at Haydock on his second racecourse start, and he looks destined to be a decent chaser one day, hailing from the family of Cahervillahow. He will find Top Ram a tough nut to crack as will the likes of Victor George, whose stable won this last year, and fellow newcomer Ordre de Bataille who appears to be Henry Daly's main hope judged on jockey bookings. The market could always throw up a springer of course, but we have no hesitation in nominating Top Ram to follow up.
Top Ram (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) With leader, led over 6f out, driven out, won at Towcester 2m nhf (6) gs in Feb beating Sword of Damascus (10-13) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Irish Guard 100-1 (11-4) Behind, headway after 4f, weakened over 4f out, 17th of 20, 45l behind Night Safe (11-4) at Haydock 2m nhf (6) hvy in Feb.
Jobsworth (IRE) 25-1 (11-5) Always in touch, ridden 3f out, kept on well final furlong, 2nd of 7, hd behind Albertas Run (11-12) at Haydock 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Lord Norman (IRE) 25-1 (11-5) Behind, ridden and stayed on final 2f, never dangerous, 4th of 12, 14l behind Paix Eternelle (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f mdn nhf (6) hvy in Feb.
Solid As A Rock 4-1 (11-7) fell in race won by Fighting Chance (11-7) at Woodford 3m ptp sft in Apr, 12 ran.
Victor George Entrepreneur gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Hazzard A Guess 150-1 (10-4) Towards rear, ridden 7f out, weakened 3f out, 7th of 15, 17l behind Kicks For Free (11-6) at Wincanton 2m nhf (6) gd in Feb.
Wenrus Lady Overbury mare out of 1m1f to 1m4f winner Persian Symphony.
Opare (FR) Agent Bleu gelding out of a mare who ran only once.
Ordre de Bataille (FR) Ungaro gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Raki Rose Rakaposhi King gelding out of winning chaser Fortria Rosie Dawn.
Simplyirresistible (IRE) 66-1 (10-8) Mid-division, behind final 6f, 12th of 15, well behind Tickers Way (10-8) at Stratford 2m mdn nhf (H) gf in Jun.