jumped right 1st, unseated rider 2nd
chased leaders, not fluent 3rd, led just after 2 out, soon swerved left, not fluent last, driven out
took keen hold, tracked leaders, went 2nd approaching 6th, challenging when hit 3 out, led briefly 2 out, stayed on flat
led, headed, hit 2 out, mistake last, switched right, weakened
in rear, bumped 1st, not fluent 4th, reminders after 5th, weakened next, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
raced keenly, not jumped well, chased leader until approaching 6th, weakened approaching 3 out, poor 4th when pulled up before last
Ras Laffan gets the nominal selection in a race where it may pay to take heed of the action in the betting ring. Donald McCain's charge is the only one of these to have jumped a hurdle in public and the presence of McCoy in the plate may persuade a few souls to part with their hard earned despite the fact that he's been beaten 139 lengths in total so far. Admittedly, this is a drop in grade, he did beat four home last time and his experience should count in his favour. He was rated the superior of Just Mossie on the level and the latter has some stamina issues to address over hurdles but Bill Turner is a wily sort who knows what's required to win in this grade so he's not dismissed. The official handicapper had Opening Hand in the same ball park as Ras Laffan but he has yet to show much proficiency for the game; perhaps hurdling will see him in a better light and his yard continues to fire in the winners. Owain James' three runs don't provide much cause for optimism and neither Golddigging nor Miss Solo jump off the page either. This may not be mission impossible for the latter whose yard have used De Giles to good effect of late but we'll stick with Ras Laffan who has, at least, proved that he can jump round.
Just Mossie 8-1 (8-0) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 8, 22l behind Buzzin'boyzee (8-12) at Southwell 7f sll (6) fbs in Feb (Flat).
Opening Hand 16-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, pushed along over 6f out, ridden over 2f out, weakening when edged left well over 1f out, soon edged right, 10th of 13, 13l behind Redarsene (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Jun (Flat).
Owain James 20-1 (8-12) Slowly away, behind and soon under pressure, never dangerous, 8th of 12, 12l behind Casual Garcia (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 4f 3yo sll (6) pol in Jun (Flat).
Ras Laffan 33-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, hit 2nd, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 11, 42l behind Tobago Bay (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Jun.
Golddigging (IRE) 40-1 (8-7) Led 1f, remained prominent, pushed along over 3f out, soon weakened, 5th of 12, 11l behind Casual Garcia (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 4f 3yo sll (6) pol in Jun (Flat).
Miss Solo 33-1 (8-6) Mid-division, ridden over 1f out, never on terms, 10th of 19, 17l behind Charlevoix (9-1) at Redcar 1m 3yo hcp (6) gf in May (Flat).
