tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd from 3rd, led 6th, pressed when left clear 2 out, kept on well
tracked leader, led 2nd, headed 6th, weakened before 4 out, left 3rd 2 out
in rear, went 3rd before 4 out, one pace when left 2nd 2 out, no impression
led to 2nd, chased leaders, went 2nd before 4 out, challenging and every chance when blundered badly 2 out, saddle slipped, pulled up
Star Presenter’s long absence has to be a concern, though he did win his only start so far for Sam England. Vodka Wells has been dropped another pound since his third at Kelso but HONOURABLE GENT looks the one to beat as he returned from a lay-off with an impressive victory over course and distance 10 days ago. Jethro was struggling when last seen in the autumn.
Honourable Gent 11-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, pulled hard, headway to lead 4th, headed before next, led again 5 out, drew clear 2 out, comfortably, won at Wetherby 1m 7f hcp (4) gd in Apr beating Lightening Rod (11-11) by 7l, 6 ran.
Star Presenter (IRE) 9-2 (10-7) Chased leaders, led 3rd, ridden before last, held on near finish, won at Catterick 2m hcp (3) sft in Jan beating Nautical Twilight (11-8) by nk, 7 ran.
Jethro (IRE) 3-1 (11-9) Close up, not fluent 8th, soon eased and pulled up, at Fakenham 2m hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Vodka Wells (FR) 9-2 (11-12) Led, mistake 1st, set strong pace, headed before last, no extra, 3rd of 8, 3 3/4l behind Welcome Ben (10-9) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Apr.