led, headed approaching 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
tracked leaders and keen, chased winner 4 out, one pace approaching 2 out
tracked leaders, led approaching 4 out, drew clear approaching last
tracked leader, dropped rear 8th, ridden approaching 4 out, chased winner approaching 2 out, no impression
Nonrunner
HENRY'S PRIDE is preferred to The Tinkerater and Once Before. The selection represents leading connections and is awarded the vote despite coming into this race on the back of a poor run at Carlisle where he was sent off a short-priced favourite. He has run well at this track in the past and may be able to bounce back. The Tinkerater stayed on strongly to snatch third on his Hunter Chase bow at Cartmel around a year ago and merits respect but he's been struggling to get his head in front between the flags. Once Before wasn't disgraced on his one start over hurdles and he ran well enough at Whittington last month to believe that he can be a factor here whilst Dix Huit Cyborg cannot be ruled out following his defeat of Nomadic Blaze at Fakenham. There are question marks but Henry's Pride may provide the answer.
Beauchamp Oracle 12-1 (12-0) Ap; led 4 out til hdd app last; wknd flat, 2nd of 12, 3l behind Clever Nora (11-7) at Charm Park 3m ptp in Apr.
Dix Huit Cyborg (FR) 7-2 (12-0) Ap; led 2 out; drvn out, won at Fakenham Points 3m ptp in Apr beating Nomadic Blaze (12-0) by 3l, 6 ran.
Henry's Pride (IRE) 2-1fav (11-12) Led until blundered and headed 12th, driven and weakened approaching 3 out, 6th of 10, 44l behind Hartburn (10-12) at Carlisle 3m hts chs (6) gd in Apr.
Magic Route (IRE) 33-1 (12-0) In tch to 13, 10th of 18, 36l behind Over To Joe (12-0) at Easingwold 3m ptp in Apr.
Once Before (IRE) 4-1 (12-0) Ap; led 7 til hdd app 9; led 13-last; nt qckn, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Keeverfield (12-0) at Whittington 3m ptp in Apr.
The Tinkerater (IRE) 11-2 (12-5) (cp) (ts) ap; led 4 out til hdd & no ex flat, 2nd of 14, 5l behind Scrappie (12-5) at Dalton Park 3m ptp in Mar.
