held up, headway 9th, led last, driven out
chased leader, ridden and mistake 3 out, soon weakened
mid-division, joined leader 5th, led 8th, ridden and headed 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, soon outpaced
led, headed 8th, weakened and tailed off from next
held up, headway 8th, led 3 out, headed last, one pace
in touch, chased leaders 7th, chased leader approaching 3 out, every chance last, one pace
held up mid-division, blundered 8th, soon weakened
held up towards rear, never dangerous
Longueville Manor is the one to beat, with Kavatcha, and Wantage Road taken to give him most to do. Tony McCoy, who celebrated his 33rd birthday just 24 hours ago, shows no signs of letting up, and in Longueville Manor he has the ammunition to take an early step to yet another championship. Jonjo O'Neill's charge has been very frustrating to follow, having racked up a string of places in the past, but finally came good at Bangor a fortnight ago when carrying a big weight to victory in a handicap under McCoy. Back amongst the novices again, he should take some stopping despite a penalty, with conditions in his favour. Kavatcha got no further than the first flight on his timber bow at Hereford when ridden by the champion, and is now partnered by Tom Scudamore. He has the scope to progress, but is best watched on this occasion. The same comment applies to Wantage Road who tackles fast ground for the first time, while the rest are even more hard to fancy. The experience of Longueville Manor should stand him in good stead, and he gets a confident vote.
Longueville Manor (FR) 7-2jt-fav (11-6) Held up, headway approaching 9th, challenged going well 2 out, led before last, easily, won at Bangor 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Apr beating Like A Lord (10-6) by 6l, 10 ran.
Clova Star (IRE) 40-1 (10-13) Towards rear, mistake 4 out, fell next fell 3 out in race won by Lincoln's Inn (11-2) at Warwick 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) gd in Mar, 18 ran.
Freedom of Choice (IRE) Beneficial gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler Roobihoo.
Ocean Fou (FR) 16-1 (11-2) Chased leader until 6f out, weakened over 4f out, 7th of 9, 43l behind Sam McCoombe (10-9) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (5) gf in Apr.
Samadhi Style (IRE) Shernazar gelding out of an unraced mare.
Wantage Road (IRE) 33-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 16, 41l behind Carlitos (11-2) at Newbury 2m 5f mdn hdl (3) gs in Mar.
Kavatcha (FR) 4-1fav (10-9) Close up when unseated rider in race won by Valuta (10-9) at Hereford 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gf in Apr, 16 ran.
Azkaban Wings (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, tailed off and pulled up 2 out in race won by Duc De Regniere (11-5) at Kempton 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gs in Feb, 15 ran.
