led until 2nd, soon led again, ran out 5th
tracked leaders, left 2nd 5th, every chance when blundered 3 out, demoted to 4th and well beaten approaching 2 out
jumped left, held up in 4th, ridden after 3 out, one pace in 3rd approaching next
held up in last, not fluent 1st, chased winner after 3 out, no impression well before last
took keen hold, with leader, led 2nd, soon headed, left in lead 5th, clear approaching last, ran on
MHILU is our selection ahead of Nicky Nutjob and Miss Nightshade. This claimer has attracted some above average types for the grade but the booking of Tony McCoy abord Mhilu is a statement of intent and we believe that the gelding will follow up his Newton Abbot success. A visor replaces the usual blinkers. Nicky Nutjob drops significantly in trip and that may be a help. He has a bit to do on official figures but its worth noting that he was a listed class juvenile winner not so long ago. Miss Nightshade is an interesting class dropper. She won a fair Exeter race for Stuart Kittow but ran lamentably last time out and hence why she is probably tried here. A Dream Come True was well beaten in selling grade while Billy Beetroot should not be good enough. Mhilu is priced to go today and we think he can add another victory to his tally.
Mhilu (IRE) 10-11fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, led and jumped right 3 out, jumped right 2 out and last when clear, won at Newton Abbot 2m 3f sell hdl (5) gd beating Intac (11-5) by 9l, 10 ran.
Miss Nightshade 9-2fav (11-3) Held up in rear, not fluent 3rd, never in contention, 6th of 13, 38l behind Parlesotho (11-5) at Stratford 2m 3f mrs hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Apr.
Nicky Nutjob (GER) 20-1 (10-8) Behind when pulled up 2nd, in a race won by Spare Me (10-13) at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd, 10 ran.
Billy Beetroot (USA) 150-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders, took keen hold, led after 4th, headed next, soon lost place, rallied when not fluent 6th, weakened 3 out, tailed off, last of 8, well behind Clerk's Choice (11-5) at Stratford 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd.
A Dream Come True 28-1 (10-10) In rear, jumped slowly 1st, headway after 3 out, left 3rd when slightly hampered 2 out, never dangerous, 3rd of 14, 15l behind Bonzeno Queen (10-7) at Stratford 2m nov sell hdl (5) gd.