in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened quickly
in touch to 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up, fell 5th
held up, headway after 7th, ridden approaching 3 out, one pace from 2 out
mid-division, headway 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
held up, mistake 6th, effort next, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before last
always towards rear
chased leaders, led 3 out, soon clear, easily
chased leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened before next
behind, headway and not clear run after 7th, ridden 2 out, stayed on to go 2nd flat until eased last
chased leader, ridden and every chance approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out, no chance when mistake last
held up, headway after 6th, hung right after next, ridden to go 2nd 2 out until flat, regained 2nd post
in touch to 7th, soon weakened
always towards rear
behind, ridden and headway 3 out, weakened flat
led, ridden and headed 3 out, hit 2 out, stayed on same pace
From a short list that contains Wot Way Chief, Changing Gear and Sultan Fontenaille, the vote goes to Wot Way Chief. Wot Way Chief improved for the step up in trip last time and, in a race that is not going to take too much winning, he gets the call. Changing Gear's improved effort at Stratford last time, admittedly on different going to tonight, makes him one to be interested in. Recent point-to-point winner Bythehokey is not ruled out, so watch the betting. Theatre Tinka at least knows how to win races, and this is not a strong race overall. It is hard to know how much ability Mingling retains. Future Legend has improved of late in a tongue tie and this lightly-raced gelding cannot be ruled out. Topwell improved in cheekpieces at Cartmel last time and is another with claims. Sultan Fontenaille came good at Exeter last time and, despite an eight-pounds rise, cannot be ruled out either. McQueen has become a little disappointing, while the lightly raced Deputy Mayor may have better to come. Hop Fair goes handicapping now after an improved run last time and is another to consider. Finally, Overdrawn is hard to fancy following a selling hurdle defeat and Birchall would hold a chance based on the best of his 2004 form. Overall, though, we will stick with Wot Way Chief.
Changing Gear (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) In touch, headway 6th, tracked winner from next, ridden after 3 out, no extra approaching last, 2nd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Lord Baskerville (10-9) at Stratford 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in May.
Bythehokey (IRE) Evensfav (11-7) Ww; hdwy 12; led aft 3 out; qcknd flat, won at Tabley 2m 4f ptp gf in May beating Unforgettable Fire (12-0) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Theatre Tinka (IRE) 9-4fav (10-1) Held up in rear, driven along 4th, outpaced from 3 out, never dangerous, 5th of 10, 21l behind Toulouse Express (10-9) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in May.
Topwell 9-2 (11-0) In touch, blundered 4th, ridden and not much room on bend after 2 out, stayed on to take 2nd final 100 yards, 2nd of 10, 9l behind Nounou (10-7) at Cartmel 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gs in May.
Sultan Fontenaille (FR) 20-1 (10-10) Held up towards rear, headway 7th, joined leaders 3 out, led 2 out, not fluent last, hung left flat, all out, won at Exeter 2m 3f cnd nov hcp hdl (5) gf in May beating Pagan Sky (11-8) by a nk, 11 ran.
Hop Fair 16-1 (10-5) Led, headed and hit 3 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 3rd of 10, 7l behind Nice Horse (10-12) at N Abbot 2m 3f nh mdn hdl (4) gf in May.
Wot Way Chief 18-1 (10-11) Held up, headway 3 out, ridden after next, kept on same pace, 4th of 12, 6l behind Random Native (11-1) at Hexham 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in May.
Overdrawn (IRE) 4-1fav (10-9) Held up, ridden to chase leaders after 2 out, kept on, no impression, 5th of 15, 11l behind Crosby Dancer (10-1) at Sedgefield 2m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in May.
