chased leaders, ridden 3 out, no impression from next
made all, jumped well, ridden 4 out, stayed on well
held up, outpaced 5 out, ridden and headway 3 out, kept on under pressure from next, not reached leaders
in touch, outpaced 4 out, soon beaten
chased winner to 10th, blundered 4 out, soon outpaced, weakened when mistake 2 out
in rear, hit 5 out, weakened from 3 out, pulled up before last
held up, chased winner from 10th, ridden 3 out, kept on, held up towards finish
The Butterwick Kid, Imps Way and Strongtrooper look the three to concentrate on in this hunter chase and the nomination is given to Imps Way. The selection won well under similar conditions last time out when beating Benbeoch and although this looks more competitive he is one of the least exposed in the field and is likely to improve again so he will be hard to beat. The Butterwick Kid rates the main danger on his best form but he was slightly disappointing last time when third behind Natural and he has had a long season so he is passed over on this occasion. Strongtrooper would be a danger to all on his best form but is likely to get little assistance from the saddle. Of the remainder Ikdam Melody and Noggler are in form and have experienced riders aboard so should be noted in the market but there over all form leaves them with a little to find and for the winner we return to Imps Way.
Ikdam Melody (IRE) 3-1 2nd of 9, 6l behind Wynyard Dancer at Easingwold 3m ptp gd in Apr.
The Butterwick Kid 6-4fav Held up in touch, chased leaders 4 out, ridden and no impression from 2 out, 3rd of 6, 14l behind Natural at Carlisle 3m hts chs (H) hvy in Apr.
Sams Way 6-4fav 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind Buddy Girie at Point To Point 3m ptp gd in Apr.
San Francisco 5-1 2nd of 7, 3l behind Coomakista at Corbridge 3m ptp gd in Apr.
Strongtrooper (IRE) 5-4fav 3rd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Hadeqa at Easingwold 3m ptp gd in Apr.
The Graduate 4-5fav 2nd of 6, 11l behind Stoney River at Market Rasen 3m ptp gf in Mar.
Imps Way 11-2 Mid-division, headway to track leader 4 out, led before final furlong, ridden and ran on flat, won at Hexham 3m 1f mdn hts chs (H) gd in Apr beating Benbeoch by 2l, 15 ran.
Noggler 6-1 won at Easingwold 3m ptp gd in Apr beating Thorny Issue by 5l, 16 ran.
