took keen hold, tracked leader until 3 out, led going well before last, soon clear easily
led, ridden and headed before 2 out, soon beaten, went 2nd flat
tracked leaders, went 2nd 3 out, led next, ridden and headed before last, soon beaten, lost 2nd flat
held up, mistake 1st, not fluent 6th, weakened 3 out
in rear, mistake 4th, outpaced next, well behind from 6th
held up, struggling before 6th, soon behind, tailed off when mistake 3 out
This looks tricky as Devon Drum is getting 7lb from the three previous winners and made hot favourite Red Tornado work hard for victory here earlier this month and has the champion jockey in the saddle this time. Barman came good at Worcester and Magna Cartor left previous form behind when scoring at Southwell. NIKKI STEEL only had to pushed out to make a winning start for new connections in a maiden hurdle here 11 days ago. An earlier second at Tramore was also good form and he can complete a quick double for trainer and jockey.
Barman (FR) 3-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, went 2nd from 3 out, led when not fluent 2 out, driven out flat, won at Worcester 2m mdn (5) gf in May beating Westerbee (10-7) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Magna Cartor 14-1 (10-12) Made all, clear until after 3rd, driven and stayed on well flat, won at Southwell 2m (4) gd in May beating Excellent Team (10-8) by 1 3/4l, 8 ran.
Nikki Steel (IRE) 2-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, challenged 3 out, led going well last, shaken up and went clear flat, stayed on, won at Uttoxeter 2m mdn (4) gs in Jun beating Rocklander (11-0) by 2 1/4l, 8 ran.
All For The Best (IRE) 9-1 (10-9) Tracked leader and keen, led 3rd, mistake 3 out, headed before 2 out, weakened before last, 3rd of 7, 17l behind Rejaah (11-9) at Market Rasen 2m 1f (4) gd in Jun.
El Tel 16-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear and keen, good headway to go 2nd over 8f out, led over 7f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 11, 25 3/4l behind Kalahari (9-6) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp (6) pol in Feb.
Tara Dee (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, poor 4th and one pace final furlong, never on terms, tailed off, 4th of 11, dist behind Chezzy (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f (6) gd in Apr.
Devon Drum 9-2 (11-0) Led, jumped left 6th, blundered 3 out, headed next, stayed on flat, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Red Tornado (12-1) at Uttoxeter 2m (4) gd in Jun.
