held up in rear, took keen hold, headway 4f out, ridden to chase winner 2f out, no impression final 100 yards
tracked leader, not much room bend over 3f out, outpaced by front pair over 1f out
in rear, ridden 6f out, some progress to dispute modest 5th over 1f out, no impression
in touch on outside, took keen hold, closed over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
tracked leaders, lost place when not much room on inside bend over 3f out, soon outpaced and beaten
mid-division, headway 8f out, bumped bend over 3f out, outpaced over 2f out, soon beaten
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon beaten
tracked leaders, challenged over 3f out, led over 2f out, shaken up and ran on inside final furlong
FLAME OF DESIRE gets all the allowances and the Milan filly is taken to make a winning debut for Nicky Henderson who has no peers in this sphere. The market usually reflects stable confidence with newcomers. Dealing River obviously sets the standard after landing a fair Huntingdon bumper, having shaped well on debut. He should improve again but is asked to concede a stone to the selection. Dj Milan represents the thriving McCain team and a market check is required as the stable have a good record in these contests.
Dealing River 16-1 (10-9) Held up in 5th, took keen hold, headway 7f out, led over 2f out, ridden out, won at Huntingdon 2m NH flat (6) gf in Apr beating Rio Milan (11-3) by 1 1/4l, 6 ran.
Dj Milan (IRE) Milan gelding out of Cafe Matisse.
Emmas Lad Terimon gelding out of Shady Emma.
Mi Man Sam (IRE) 66-1 (10-11) Tracked leader until ridden 5f out, tailed off final 3f, 7th of 8, well behind Valley Lad (11-0) at Ffos Las 1m 6f nhf (5) sft in Nov.
Seawood Needwood Blade gelding out of Ocean Song.
Every Cloud (IRE) 66-1 (10-11) Towards rear on inside, headway over 3f out, chased leaders over 2f out, soon bumped and stayed on same pace, 5th of 13, 7l behind Blase Chevalier (10-8) at Towcester 2m NH flat (6) gf in May.
Uprising Pivotal gelding out of My Branch.
Splendid Blue (IRE) 16-1 (10-9) Towards rear, stumbled 10f out and again over 3f out, soon weakened, 9th of 12, well behind Set In Her Ways (10-5) at Aintree 2m 1f mares n h flat (5) gd in May.
Flame of Desire Milan filly out of Queen's Banquet.
Lady Blythe 100-1 (10-7) Led, headed 6f out, soon behind, tailed off, last of 11, well behind Western Approaches (10-5) at Bangor 2m 1f mares n h flat (5) gd in May.