tracked leader, ridden to lead and not fluent 2 out, hit last, kept on, driven out
led, quickened pace from 3rd, ridden and headed when not fluent 2 out, kept on
always behind, mistake 3rd, never dangerous
tracked leaders, joined leader 3rd, soon outpaced, ridden before 2 out, kept on and no impression
in touch, ridden before 2 out, one pace and no impression
Something went amiss with Santo Thomas when sent off favourite at Fakenham last time having finished a close-up second at Hereford before that. He'll be in the firing-line if back to his best but the vote has to go to MARTIAL LAW. The latter was clear of the field when coming a cropper at the final hurdle at Ffos Las last week and David Pipe's charge will be out to make amends here. Midnight Spirit is now 14lb higher than when scoring over C&D in February and the remaining pair are struggling for form.
Santo Thomas (FR) 13-8fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, mistake 3rd, reminders 7th, soon dropped to rear, pulled up next, in a race won by Oscar Baby (10-6) at Fakenham 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Apr, 8 ran.
Martial Law (IRE) 5-1 (10-11) Mid-division, jumped slowly 5th, headway from 6th, went 2nd after next, led after 3 out, drew 5 lengths clear when fell last, unlucky, in a race won by Mister Hyde (11-11) at Ffos Las 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy, 9 ran.
Rough Times (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Led to after 5th, chased leaders, weakened before 2 out, 13th of 17, well behind Brick Red (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn hdl (5) sft.
Kadouchski (FR) 13-2 (10-9) Tracked winner until ridden 2 out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 13, 7l behind Specialagent Alfie (11-7) at Sandown 2m cond hcp hdl 0-1115 (4) gd in Feb.
Midnight Spirit 9-1 (10-12) Led, hit 3rd, headed approaching last and not much at hurdle, weakened towards finish, 4th of 11, 9l behind Nicks Power (11-9) at Towcester 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Apr.